Business Statement

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday, 3 May. In that week, the annual review debate will conclude with appearances from a further six Ministers. Other legislation to be considered will include the second reading of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill, and the first reading of the Fisheries Amendment Bill. Wednesday, 4 May will be a members’ day.

Thank you to the Leader of the House for that update. I’m aware that members are particularly interested in a bill called the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Bill. I understand some Ministers regard the bill as having been passed already, but it is in fact at select committee, and I was wondering if the Leader of the House would indicate if the Government would be giving priority to the passage of that bill when it comes back from committee.

It very much depends on the shape of the bill when it gets back from select committee. In cases where bills don’t need further amendment, they tend to be easier to progress. Where the select committee doesn’t bring the bill back to the House ready to be passed and further amendments are required, then they tend to take longer.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I wonder if the Government’s had sufficient time to chew the cud on the Organic Products Bill, which, of course, reported back from select committee 13 months ago.

It does remain on the Government’s legislative programme, but at this point I can’t give the member a firm timetable for it.