Constitution of Standing Committees

(1) Each of the said Standing Committees shall consist of not less than three and not more than nine members to be nominated by a Committee of Selection to consist of not less than six members to be chosen by the Speaker as soon as may be after the beginning of each Session, provided that no Minister shall be appointed to a Standing Committee which deals with any subject or matter assigned to that Minister. (2) The Committee of Selection, in nominating members of a Standing Committee, shall have regard to the composition of the House in order to ensure, so far as possible, that the balance of parties in the House is reflected in the Committee, provided that each Standing Committee shall have at least two members who do not support the Government (unless there are no members, or insufficient members, of the House of Representatives who do not support the Government). (3) The Committee of Selection shall also have power to add not more than five members to a Standing Committee in respect of any Bill referred to it, to serve on the Committee during the consideration of such Bill, and in adding such members shall have regard to their qualifications. (4) Every member of a Standing Committee may appoint an alternative member of the House who may attend the meeting of the Committee in the event of the inability of such member to attend, and every alternate so appointed shall have the same power and authority (including but not limited to the right to vote) as enjoyed by the member by whom he was so appointed.