Standing Orders — If we didn’t pass this motion, next Monday, within the parliamentary precincts, would still be regarded as a working day, as defined by Standing Order 3. So therefore, the Office of the Clerk and other agencies within the complex would have to have their people working to process things like written questions and to carry out other functions of a parliamentary working day. With the passage of this motion, they will be free on that day to mark the holiday and to mark the passing of the Queen as they think appropriate, as every other New Zealander will.

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. On behalf of His Majesty’s loyal Opposition—that’s the first time I’ve said that, and it does take a bit of getting used to—I’m very pleased to support this motion; it’s necessary. The machinery of Parliament and Government does rely on the clear definition of working days, because so many of the obligations for things like reporting back on reports and so on does follow that metric. And, of course, as the Leader of the House said, the written questions process takes quite a bit of administration behind the scenes; we hit the button and off they go, and we know that there’s quite a bit to be done.

I just want to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the number of hard-working staff in the Parliamentary Service and in the Clerk’s Office who do us a great service and wish them a restful and happy memorial day—I say “happy” in the sense that any day you’re not working is probably a happier day than the alternative—and that they will reflect on the magnificent life well-lived of Her Majesty. Many of us will be at the memorial services in Wellington, Auckland, or around the country, but for those staff, however they mark that day, I hope they have a good rest.

Motion agreed to.

I declare the House in committee for further consideration of the Accident Compensation (Maternal Birth Injury and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.