A parliamentary question to Deputy President Jacob Zuma concerning a meeting with French businessman Alain Thetard will not be allowed.

This was stated yesterday by National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete.

The question by Democratic Alliance MP Raenette Taljaard was one of four due to be answered by Zuma during question time today.

But in a letter to Taljaard, which was also copied to Zuma, Mbete said: "I wish to advise you that the above question is out of order and cannot be proceeded with as it does not comply with the sub judice rule."

Taljaard wanted light shed on whether Zuma had contradicted testimony in the Schabir Shaik trial on whether he had met the French arms company director or not.

With acknowledgements to Angela Quintal and The Star.