Amended Answers to Oral Questions — Question No. 10 to Minister

I seek leave to make a personal explanation to correct an answer I gave to a supplementary question asked during question time today.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Lindsay Tisch): Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is no objection.

Firstly, can I just thank members for accommodating me. During question No. 10 today I was asked a supplementary question about when my chief of staff was informed about the Deputy Prime Minister’s signing of a ministerial certificate relating to the operations of the Government Communications Security Bureau. I mistakenly thought the member asking the question was asking about when we first were aware of the Government Communications Security Bureau involvement rather than the signing of the ministerial certificate. The answer to the member’s question is in fact Monday, 24 September, which is when I was first advised. I should also clarify that the ministerial certificate was dated 16 August 2012, when in fact the meeting at which the certificate was signed was actually held on 17 August. That will probably clear up the member’s confusion in that regard.

I declare the House in Committee for consideration of the National War Memorial (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill, the Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Bill, for further consideration of the Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill, and for consideration of the Legislation Bill.

I have just had a procedural hiccup, but I seek the leave of the House, notwithstanding the earlier approach, for us to do exactly what you have asked.

Thank you. Is the House happy with that? Thank you. We are not putting a motion. You have seen what I have done, and if you are happy with that, that is how it is. We are moving into Committee.