Business Statement

I am wondering whether the Leader of the House might give us an early indication of when the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is likely to progress up the Order Paper. There are a number of businesses throughout the country that are interested in that bill making some progress. It has been available to the House for some time. Further, can the Minister just give us an indication about what the following week may have with regard to extended hours.

Taking the second point first, I indicate that the Government is intending to take extended hours from Tuesday through to Friday 6 p.m. in the fourth week. I will come back to members, whips and leaders particularly, hopefully by the end of next week, with a full list of the intended business. On the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill it is fair to say we are not likely to deal with that in the next 2 weeks. I hope we will make early progress in the next sitting of Parliament.