Points of Order — Tabling of Documents—Accuracy of Description of Documents

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It is in respect of the tabling of documents. As you know, we have discussed whether or not Speakers’ rulings 147(4), (5), and (6) are being followed when there is the injection of commentary into the tabling of documents. I raise this in respect of the documents tabled by the senior Opposition whip yesterday in response to an oral question to the Minister of Education, where he paraphrased, and I quote—I will not quote exactly, but it is basically suggesting that the Minister’s time frame would be 5 to 6 weeks. On analysing the document when it was tabled, it eventuated that neither was it the Minister’s time frame nor was it in respect of mergers and closures in Christchurch, but, in fact, of the special education review that was under way. I do not want to suggest to the House that the Opposition whip misled the House, or, if he did, that it was intentional, but I raise it as an example of the risks involved in the commentary that goes around the tabling of documents, and I would ask that you would again review that, with a view to curtailing the commentary that is attached to the leave that is sought.

I think the point that is being raised is an interesting one. I ask members, naturally, to say sufficient about the document to enable the House to make a rational decision about whether members should allow it to be tabled. But I think the point is well made that that should not include going into great detail of what is in the document. Members must be careful when they indicate what is in the document. I think members need to have some idea of what is in the document in order to make a decision about whether it should be tabled, but the need for absolute accuracy there is crucial. Seeking leave to table a document is an action of some formality. Members have thought about the desire to seek leave. The House considers the matter, and gives leave. It is an important process. Therefore, careful thought should be given by members when they do indicate what is in a document.