MPs have been told that they must now type their own letters of congratulations or condolences to constituents rather than rely on parliamentary staff to do it.

The House of Assembly last Friday heard from Speaker Stanley Lowe that the Rules and Privileges Committee agreed in September that parliamentary staff would no longer fulfill that responsibility.

He said the new rule did not stop MPs from voicing such sentiments on the floor of the House and if they did want to send a letter they could still obtain parliamentary stationery and his signature. He said the assistance with letters was rescinded to improve parliamentary procedures.