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to which the ministers shall submit information, adopt addresses and resolutions.

The president and members of the government shall answer the interpellations of the members of the houses.

53. The manner in which state financial economy and state debt is controlled is regulated by law.

54. (1) In the period between the dissolution of either house or the expiration of its term and the next convening of both houses, and also during the time, when the session of the two houses is prorogued or closed, a commission of 24 members may enact urgent measures which have the force of law. The chamber of deputies elects 16 members with 16 alternates, and the senate elects eight members and eight alternates for the term of one year. Each alternate takes the place of a definite member.

(2) First elections take place as soon as the two houses are organized. Presidents and vicepresidents of both houses take part in voting. When a new house has been elected, it selects new members of the commission, even though the one year term of sitting members has not expired.

(3) The principle of proportionate representation shall be applied in these elections. Parties may combine. If all parties agree, members of the commission may be selected from the body of the house. This may be done, if objectors do not exceed twenty deputies or ten senators.

(4) Members of the commission remain in office, until their successors are elected. Alternates take the place of members who permanently or temporarily are unable to perform their duties. If there is a vacancy in the office of either member or alternate, supplementary election is had for the balance of the term. Newly elected member must belong to the same group as the former member, unless the group in question should fail to nominate a candidate or refuse to participate in electing.

(5) A member of the government may not be member of commission or his alternate.

(6) As soon as the commission is elected, it shall organize itself by electing a president and second vice-president out of members of the house of deputies, and first vice-president out of senate members.

(7) Sections 23 to 27 of the constitution apply to members of the commission.

(8) The commission may act in all matters that come within the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of the National Assembly, but it cannot (a) elect the president of the Republic or his deputy;

(b) amend fundamental laws or change jurisdiction of public authorities, except that it may add new duties to existing authorities.

(c) impose by its measures upon citizens new and lasting financial duties, increase military obligation, burden permanently the state finances or alienate state property;

(d) give its consent to declaration of war.

(9) A measure which is to have the effect of law or which authorizes expenditures not provided for in the budget must be approved by a majority of the entire membership.

(10) In all other cases the commission may act in the presence of one half of its membership by a majority vote of those present. The president votes only to break the tie.

(11) Emergency measures which are in the nature of law may be adopted only upon recommendation of the government, approved by the president of the Republic.

(12) Acts of the commission referred to in the preceding section have temporarily the effect of law; they are proclaimed, with a reference to section 54, in the series of laws and ordinances, and they are signed by the president of the Republic, president of the government or his deputy, and at least one half of the ministers. Acts which are not signed by the president of the Republic may not be proclaimed.

(13) The jurisdiction of the constitutional court extends to measures which are in the nature of law; they shall be submitted to the court by the government at the time of their proclamation in the series of laws decides, whether measures submitted to it and ordinances. The constitutional court comply with paragraph 8 b).

(14) President of the commission and vicepresident submit a report of the actions of the commission in the first sessions of the chamber of deputies and the senate, even though they may have ceased to be members.

(15) Measures which are not approved by both houses within two months of their convening are thereafter void.