St Helier Deputy Geoff Southern is calling for a clause to be added to the States standing orders – the rules which govern the running of States sittings – which would force politicians to address the topic being discussed.
The move comes after several backbenchers last month accused Chief Minister Ian Gorst and Assistant Chief Minister Paul Routier of misleading the States by saying that relative levels of low income in Jersey are reducing. Deputy Southern, as well as Deputies Richard Renouf and Mike Higgins, argued that there was no evidence to back up the claims.
Now, Deputy Southern has said that there needs to be a better system to allow backbenchers to make sure their questions are answered.
In the proposals, Deputy Southern said that the chair – who enforces standing orders – would be required to intervene in cases where ministers failed to adequately answer the question.
The proposition is due to be debated on Tuesday 23 May.
