Public Speaking Time/Open Session
In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relevant to the work of the meeting. Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.
Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.
Minutes:
Cllr B Murphy used public speaking time to ask a question concerning a recent television programme relating to the incineration of foetuses, which claimed that 27% of hospital trusts incinerated foetuses, rather than cremating them. Cllr Murphy sought assurance that this was not the case in Cheshire.
The Chairman undertook to look into this matter and consider the most effective way of answering Cllr Murphy’s question. It may possibly be an issue for the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee to consider. However, she would discuss this with other members of the Board in order to agree a way forward.