Page:The Constitution of the Czechoslovak Republic.pdf/33

 2. The Prime Minister and the members of the Government shall answer questions put to them.

1. During the period elapsing between the dissolution of either Chamber and its re-assemblage or between the expiration of its term of office and its convocation and during the period of adjournment, there shall sit a Committee of twenty-four members. Sixteen members of this Committee with an equal number of alternates shall be chosen by the Chamber of Deputies from its members and eight members, with an equal number of alternates, shall be chosen by the Senate from its members. Each alternate shall represent only the member of the Committee, as the alternate to whom he has been chosen. This Committee shall act on all matters of immediate urgency, even if in ordinary circumstances they should require the enactments of legislation and shall exercise control of all Government and Executive Powers. The term of office of the Committee is one year.

2. The first election shall take place immediately after both Chambers organise. Presiding officers of both Chambers shall vote. When a Chamber shall meet after election, the members of the Committee of twenty-four shall be elected by the newly organised Chamber even if the term of office of preceding members of the Committee of twenty-four has not expired.

3. Elections shall be based on the principle of proportional representation. Party coalition is admissible. Should all Parties agree on the choice of candidates, the Committee shall be elected by the vote of the Chamber. Should more than twenty Deputies and ten Senators oppose such election, it shall be carried out as first provided.

4. Members of the Committee shall remain in office until a new Committee is elected. Alternates take the place of members unable temporarily or permanently to carry out their duties. Should a member or alternate be incapacitated for service, while Parliament is in Session, bye-elections to fill his post for the balance of the term of the Committee shall be held. The new member must belong to the same political group as the old member, unless that group decides not to present a candidate or to refrain from voting.

5. A member of the Government shall not be a member or alternate of the Committee of twenty-four.

6. When the Committee has been elected, it shall elect its Chairman and second Vice-chairman from among the members elected by