Business of the House

I note that the House is making very good progress tonight. I also note that on the Order Paper are a number of bills that have been lanquishing for some time. Most particularly, I draw the attention of the House to items 16 and 18. Item 18 is the Taonga Maori Protection Bill, which has been on the Order Paper for the entire time the Labour Party has been in Government—almost 5 years now—with no progress whatsoever being made. I seek leave that the House move to the Committee stage of that bill right now.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): Is there any objection to that course of action being taken? There is.

A similar bill, the Conservation (Protection of Trout as a Non-commercial Species) Amendment Bill, has made no progress in this House since February 2001. It stands in the name of the Hon Marian Hobbs, and it is a little inexplicable that a bill should sit unattended for so long on the Order Paper. It would seem that this is an ideal opportunity for the House to take the Committee stage of that bill, and I seek leave for that to happen now.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson): The member is seeking leave for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is.