The day in Parliament

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 4

The day in Parliament

PA Wellington A member of the British House of Lords, Lord Shackleton, was welcomed into the debating chamber when Parliament sat at 2 p.m. yesterday. Immediately before the welcome, the Acting Leader of the House, Mr Hunt, said business next week would consist of legislation as set down on the order paper and the introduction of bills. There would also be a general debate on Wednesday afternoon. The corrigendum for the Supplementary Estimates for the year ended March 31, 1986, was then tabled for printing. Ministers answered 18 questions. The Speaker, Dr Wall, granted a request from the Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Mr W. E. Cooper (Nat., Otago), for a snap debate on the latest developments concerning the A.N.Z.U.S. alliance. Mr Hunt moved that urgency be taken so that progress could be made to allow the House to have a summer recess. The motion applied to reports of select committees, the introduction and passing of the Social Security Rates of Benefits Orders Confirmation Bill (No. 2) and the War Pensions Kates of Pensions and Allowances Orders Confirmation Bill (No. 2), the passing through their remaining stages of 17 bills, the second reading of

three other bills, and the introduction of seven further Government bills. Urgency was accorded after a division, 47-30. The chairman of the Finance and Expenditure Committee, Mr T. A. de Cleene (Palmerston North), tabled the committee's report of the 1985-6 Supplementary Estimates. , The chairman of the Social Services Committee, Mrs Annette King (Horowhenua), reported back the Health Service Personal Amendment Bill. The debate on the committee’s report was interrupted when the House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. for dinner. The Health Service Personnel Amendment Bill was reported back when the House resumed after the dinner adjourment. The Thomas Cawthron Trust Amendment Bill was also reported back from the Justice and Law Reform Select Committee. The Minister of Defence, Mr O’Flynn, introduced the War Pensions (Rates of Pensions and Allowances) Orders of Confirmation Bill (No 2) which validates existing payments.. The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Hercus, introduced a similar piece of legislation, the Social Security (Rates of Benefits) Orders Confirmation Bill (No 2). Both bills passed their second reading, committee and third reading stages. Members then began the debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill (N 0.3 The debate was interrupted when the House rose at midnight. It will resume at 9 a.m. today.