Business Statement

When the House resumes on Tuesday, 16 February it is the Government’s intention to make progress on the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement and on other bills on the Order Paper. It is expected that the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement will conclude on Wednesday, 17 February.

I wonder whether the Leader of the House could give us an indication as to the status of the Wanganui District Council (Port and Harbour) Bill, which is due to come up for consideration as a local order of the day on the next members’ day, which, I think, will be the third Wednesday of this sitting.

With your indulgence, may I just record the sadness of the Labour Opposition at learning the news that Gray Fuller, who was a Chamber and gallery officer for our Chamber from 1995—nearly 15 years of service—passed away over this summer adjournment. I am sure all members of Parliament would like to record our sadness and the service that he gave to all members of Parliament.

Coming to the latter point first, I was unaware that the gentleman had passed away. He was, indeed, a great gentleman, and I extend the Government’s condolences to his family, joining the shadow Leader of the House in that regard.

The Wanganui bill that the member refers to is, of course, a local bill that has been advanced by the Wanganui District Council. It would perhaps be better for him to speak directly to the council, to see whether it is its intention that the bill should stay on the Order Paper. I would hope that if the bill remains on the Order Paper, it is because there has been a certain amount of other order put in place that might lead to its speedy resolution and its even passage through the House.