P.M. OUTLINES SESSIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1970

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32221, 13 February 1970, Page 22

P.M. OUTLINES SESSIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1970

(New Zealand Press Association I WELLINGTON, February 12. The business session of Parliament this year will begin on April 1. the earliest date since 1958. The Prime Minister (Mr llolyoake) said today that after the formal opening of Parliament by the Queen on March 13, he would ask the House to adjourn until 7.30 p.m. on April 1. “when the mover and seconder can initiate the Address-in-Reply debate."

nounced, the formal opening iof Parliament by the Queen would take place at 3 p.m. on (the next day—Fridav, March 113. He said that the Queen, in the Speech from the Throne, would outline the Government's legislative programme for the ensuing session, i This is a departure from practice in past Royal tours; when the Speech from the Throne was more formal in form and did not refer to proposed legislation The Prime Minister announced that seating for about 1000 people was being provided at Parliament House on the occasion of the formal opening on March 13. COUNCIL CHAMBER A total of 450 people, including members of the diplomatic corps, the judiciary,; wives of Ministers and members of Parliament, Queen s Counsel. Mayor and Mayoress., I representatives of the , churches, heads of national organisations, heads of some , of the senior State departments, and other distinguished guests, would be accommodated in the Legislative Council chamber itself. “This number does not include the 84 members of Parliament themselves,” the Prime Minister said "The members will be summoned by Her Majesty to attend in the council chamber, i "One of the two side galleries is being allotted for the exclusive use of local and overseas press, radio and television. “The members' lounge through which the Queen will, ■pass on the way to the coun[cil chamber has been cleared, and tiered seating is being, i erected there for the accom jmodation of about 400 people., PUBLIC SEATS "Many of these seats will be! 'allotted to guests who cannot be accommodated in the;

“Her Majesty the) Queen has issued herj Royal Proclamation summoning the first session iof the thirty-sixth Parliament to meet for the! [dispatch of business at ■2 p.m. on Thursday,; March 12.” said Mr 1 iHolyoake. “Thursday's meeting will be the traditional one held at the commencement of the first session of a new Parliament for the purpose of swearing-in members and electing the Speaker." Mr Holyoake also explained that, as had already been an-

( council chamber. Forty seats t in this area are to be allotted t by ballot to members of the, t general public. “Seating is also being prot vided on the main steps of .Parliament House for a ■ further 200 people, and 100 ’ of these seats will be allotted by ballot to members of the ) general public. ;[ “The proceedings will be s telecast over all N.Z.B.C.' t channels," thd Prime Minister! i said. “Persons desiring to participate in the ballot should '.send their, names and addresses direct to the Speaker’s ' secretary. Parliament House, Wellington, to reach him not later than Mondav, February 23. BALLOT PROCEDURE “All envelopes should be , | clearly marked. ‘Ballot For -Seats.' and no envelope t should contain more than one • ;name. “The first 40 successful perI sons will be allotted seats ini -.the members' lounge: and the ■;remaining 100 persons whose'

names are drawn in the ballot will be allotted seats on the 1 main steps."