Business Statement

Next week in the House priority will be given to the third reading of the Care of Children Bill, and to the second readings of the Transport Legislation Bill, the Electoral Matters Bill, and the Social Security (Long-term Residential Care) Amendment Bill. Wednesday is a members’ day. On Thursday it is intended that the sitting of the House will commence at 4 p.m. with a motion in relation to the entombment of an Unknown New Zealand Warrior. There will be no oral questions on that day.

Can the Leader of the House give us some indication of when he would expect the Foreshore and Seabed Bill to receive its second reading in the House, and at what pace will it progress through its Committee stage towards a third reading?

We will proceed to that when we are ready to do so—that is, when we have completed discussions with my own colleagues and with New Zealand First, in particular. Should National members wish to become supportive and positive, I am sure I will be happy to have discussions with them, as well. I expect that the second reading will be not too far in the distance. The pace at which the bill will be taken will depend upon the speed with which closure motions are accepted during the Committee stage by the Chairs of the Committee.