Motor Vehicle Sales Bill

It is good to see the real Minister of Transport, the Hon Harry Duynhoven, in the chair. We might get some good amendments passed today with him there. Last evening when the Committee rose I was debating Part 2 and was just about to talk about clause 25, “Power to exempt persons from requirement to register by Order in Council”. The five exemption clauses are curious, because a person can apply to be exempted from the new register of motor vehicle dealers. The register was originally to be run by the Ministry of Economic Development, but it is not quite clear in the bill where it will be run from now. Maybe it will be the Ministry of Commerce.

A person can apply to be exempted from registering, but, as one would expect, a number of things must be taken into account when he or she makes the application. People apply to the Minister, via the prescribed form, stating why they want to be exempted from all the regulations imposed on them for being motor vehicle dealers. Under clause 28, “Process for making recommendation for exemption”, subclause (1)(a) states that the Minister must consult with persons or representatives whom he or she thinks will be substantially affected by the exemption, and the Minister can then go to the Governor-General for an Order in Council.

I move, That the question be now put.