Bills passed in accordance with Parliament rules

We refer to the letter “How do we ensure Bills are passed with quorum?” (July 14).

There were 91 members present at the July 7 sitting. When the votes on the Bills that were passed that day were taken, there were sufficient members to form a quorum.

There are rules governing quorum and voting in Parliament. Bills have always been passed in accordance with these rules. The responsibility of ensuring a quorum at a sitting rests on the entire House.

Under the rules, members who wish to be absent from a sitting must seek the Speaker’s written permission. They must also inform the party Whip if they are unable to attend Parliament on time or have to leave early.