The day in Parliament

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 8

The day in Parliament

PA Wellington The Opposition spokesman on taxation, Mr M. E. Cox (Manawatu), made a personal statement on the proposed goods and services tax when Parliament sat at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. The member for Fendalton, Mr P. R. Burdon (Nat), moved the third reading of the College House Bill, which enables the remaining single-sex hall of residence at the University of Canterbury to become coeducational. The bill received its third reading. The Speaker, Dr Wall, read a message from the GovernorGeneral, Sir David Beattie, saying that assent had been given to the St Peter’s School Trust Board Act. The Minister of Police, Mrs Hercus, tabled the Report of the New Zealand Police. The report of the Higher Salaries Commission was tabled by the Minister of Labour, Mr Rodger.

Members presented 12 notices of motion. The acting Minister of Energy, Mr Colman, moved the introduction of the Electricity Amendment Bill. The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce and Energy Select Committee. Ministers answered 18 questions. The Speaker declined an Opposition request for a snap debate on the High Court decision declaring the Government’s child medical benefit scheme invalid. He said an appeal had been lodged against the decision and Parliament’s Standing Orders forbade reference to a matter before a court. The Minister of Transport, Mr Prebble, reported back to the House the Transport Amendment (No. 4) Bill. Debate was interrupted when the House adjourned for dinner at 5.30 p.m. Debate continued on the interrupted second reading of the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) when the House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Debate was interrupted when the House rose at 10.30 p.m.