Points of Order — Signage in the Chamber—New Zealand Labour Party

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is my understanding that at the Business Committee this week it was ruled that the red boxes that Labour Party members have on their benches need to be with the member, or taken with the member when that member moves. I look across the House now and I raise the point with you, Madam Speaker, that there are three of these silly red boxes on the other side of the Chamber but only one member is sitting there.

I say to you, Madam Temporary Speaker, that Madam Speaker did rule on this today. She indicated that members would be informed of the Business Committee’s ruling in the appropriate way, and after that it would be enforced. If the member had been listening at the time and if he had been awake at the time—I know it is unusual in the afternoon, for the member—he would have heard that.

When Madam Speaker was in the Chair during question time she said precisely that. She will be reporting to the Business Committee at the first available opportunity as to the ongoing action regarding the presentation of boxes in the House.

The only point I would make is that the boxes actually belong to the junior whip, and he attends the Business Committee so he can hardly claim ignorance of this matter.

Communication can be made in a variety of ways around here. Madam Speaker has indicated that she will do that.