House endorses cancer centre law

AMMAN — The Lower House on Sunday endorsed the draft King Hussein Cancer Centre law.

The new legislation officially renames the centre as the “King Hussein Cancer Centre”, replacing the old name of Al Amal Cancer Centre.

According to the bill, the centre now has the authorisation to collect grants and donations, conduct and supervise cancer research and open new cancer centres.

Also on Sunday, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh visited the press room in Parliament where he told reporters that the Chamber of Deputies has held few meetings during the current extraordinary session but has endorsed a good number of laws.

He said the improved performance is due to the endorsement of the amended Rules of Procedure, which speed up the discussion of laws under the Dome.

The duration of each session is now shorter, which eases the burden on MPs, Tarawneh added, noting that these measures are also expected to improve the level of attendance.

“On average, now, one draft law is being endorsed at each meeting, which is a reasonable rate,” the speaker said.

Under the amended House rules MPs cannot discuss a law under the Dome unless they register prior to the start of the vote to endorse it.

Tarawneh said deputies’ offices “are always open for the press and we must meet for at least 15 minutes every week”.

He issued directives to enhance the logistic services offered for the journalists in Parliament.