Page 1349 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 16 April 1991
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Assembly Proceedings : Hospital System
MR HUMPHRIES (Minister for Health, Education and the Arts) (9.56): Mr Berry loves to rake over matters that he does not fire on very well in the early part of the day. That is always the way, I am afraid. I have to say that it is a bit unfortunate that Mr Berry makes a habit of debating issues in the course of the adjournment debate. I think, in effect, Mr Deputy Speaker, he is abusing one of the traditions of the adjournment debate. The adjournment debate is used to raise other issues - issues which are not properly raised under any other umbrella, or under any other subject earlier in the day. It is there for members to use in respect of those matters.
Ms Follett: He did try; he tried earlier in the day.
MR HUMPHRIES: Ms Follett interjects that Mr Berry tried. Mr Berry has to work within the standing orders in the rest of the day. Mr Berry's flouting of the standing orders is well known in this place, so if he cannot understand and comply with the standing orders that is too bad.
Ms Follett: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Humphries has said that Mr Berry has flouted the standing orders. That is a reflection on the Speaker, and it ought to be withdrawn.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sure that Mr Humphries will withdraw that, if he said it. I was talking to the Deputy Clerk at the time; so I did not hear it.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Deputy Speaker, the fact is that I do think it is inappropriate for this opportunity to be taken by Mr Berry; but, of course, he will continue to do it so - - -
Mr Connolly: On a point of order: Mr Deputy Speaker, you said that you were sure that Mr Humphries would withdraw that. Instead, Mr Humphries has just continued. So, is he going to withdraw it?
Mr Humphries: He said that he did not hear it.
Mr Berry: Did you say it? The record will show what you said.
Mr Humphries: All I said was accurate. That is not unparliamentary.
Mr Berry: That I was flouting the standing orders?
Mr Humphries If you think that is unparliamentary, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will make a submission to you on that question.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry; I did not hear what you said, Mr Humphries.
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