War Pensions Amendment Bill (No 2)

National supports Part 2 of the War Pensions Amendment Bill (No 2). It is a short part that contains only two clauses. The first has consequential amendments, and the second appropriately deals with consequential repeals. I express dismay that the Hon George Hawkins, who is the Minister in charge of this bill—the Minister in charge of Veterans Affairs New Zealand—has not taken it as a responsibility to speak in support of this bill. After all, there are two Supplementary Orders Papers—the first is Supplementary Order Paper 53 and the second is Supplementary Order Paper 67—that stand in his name. It is a pity that a Minister with responsibility for legislation does not see fit to add his contribution to this important legislation. I would welcome some explanation from the Minister as to why he is not prepared to participate in this debate.

Part 2 agreed to.

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