Parliamentary questions remain in effect, Speaker of the House Randy Horton told The Royal Gazette after an announcement they had been suspended.

The questions, which allow Opposition Members of Parliament to scrutinise the workings of government, are a key fixture on the orders of the House of Assembly. However, yesterday MPs were informed by the clerk of the legislature that the requests could not be processed “until further notice”.

The e-mail cited a lack of resources, especially “administrative staff to support the operations of the Legislature in clerical and secretarial areas”.

Asked by this newspaper for clarification, Mr Horton, who is off the Island, said that the questioning procedure would continue. It was unclear why the message had been sent.

Michael Dunkley said last night that he had contacted Mr Horton as soon as he received the message, and had been informed that the questions would be accepted. Parliament reconvenes on November 13.

“I was most surprised, because this Government is always willing to answer any question,” the Premier said. “I am disappointed that the Opposition is trying to make it political.”

In a recent interview, Mr Horton spoke candidly of the need to “shore up our resources”, saying more manpower was needed for research. On that occasion the Speaker referred to parliamentary committees, adding: “There is so much work for the clerk and assistant clerk to do that it makes it very difficult to be able to provide the level of service to committees that is needed.”

Yesterday’s news sparked a political furore online, and the Progressive Labour Party’s Whip, Lovitta Foggo, issued a statement accusing the One Bermuda Alliance of imposing austerity measures that were impeding Parliamentary business.

“When Parliament can’t perform as it should, everyone should feel outraged and concerned,” the statement added.