The day in Parliament

Press, 24 April 1986, Page 5

The day in Parliament

PA Wellington A petition calling on the Government to take steps to ease the “pain and suffering” its policies were causing rural areas was presented when the Parliament sat at 2.00 p.m. yesterday. The petition, from Peter Robinson and 875 others, was presented by Mr R. J. Gerard (Nat., Rangiora). The annual report on Parliamentary petitions was presented. Ministers answered 17 questions. Members then began a twohour general debate. After the debate, the Government member for Dunedin North, the Minister of Labour, Mr Rodger, moved the introduction of the Dunedin City Council (Rating Relief) Empowering Bill. The bill was given its first reading and referred to the Internal Affairs and Local Government Select Committee. Mr Rodger also moved introduction of the Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Amendment Bill, which was given its first reading and referred to the Internal Affairs and Local Government Select Committee. The House adjourned for dinner at 5.30 p.m. The Speaker, Dr Wall, gave a ruling relating to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill when the House resumed after dinner at 7.30 p.m. After a voice vote, the bill was set down for further consideration in committee. The Democratic member for East Coast Bays, Mr G. T. Knapp, moved the introduction of the Electoral (Representation Commission) Amendment Bill. The bill’s introduction was defeated on a 69-2 division. The National member for New Plymouth, Mr A. P. D. Friedlander, moved the introduction of the New Zealand Geographic Board (Mount Egmont) Amendment Bill. The bill was given its first reading and referred to the Internal Affairs and Local Government Select Committee. The House rose at 10.59 p.m.