BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Opposition Leader Mark Brantley is questioning the decision of the Parliament to debate a bill seeking to increase the number of senators ahead of a motion of no confidence filed against the government of Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas.

Parliament meets on Tuesday to debate the Senators (Increasing of Number) Bill, 2012 which had its first reading on November 21 last year.

A government statement said that the bill will be piloted through the second and third readings by Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Patrice Nisbett.

Prime Minister Douglas, who in an address to the private sector last year, said that “the motion (of no confidence) will have to wait in line with what is the calendar of the House that is before the Speaker,” said that there is also need for the three additional legislators, two of whom will be named by the government.

But Brantley said the motion of no confidence should take precedence over the increase in senators legislation, describing the move by the authorities as “unfortunate.

“It is obvious under established practice and procedure in the House the motion of no confidence should take precedent over something like a senators bill. I don’t see the urgency I don’t see the importance of an increase in senators bill in light of the motion that is outstanding,” he told radio listeners.

Brantley said while he is aware that the Order paper does not list the motion of no confidence, he is still hopeful that the matter would come up on Tuesday.