Page 5378 - Week 17 - Tuesday, 3 December 1991
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So, within reasonable bounds, I think questions which are related to government, rather than management issues and gross interference with management, are appropriate to be put on record for the Government to answer, and they will be answered, on notice if necessary, after a reasonable time, and without notice if the information happens to be available for the relevant Ministers.
MR KAINE: I ask a supplementary question. I take it, then, that you have no objection to the Opposition asking you questions that have to do with ministerial accountability, and that you will have the good grace to answer those questions.
MR BERRY: I do not know where all this is leading us; we could waste question time on these sorts of issues. I have been called upon, as you would recall - I cannot recall the wording of the motion - to pay due regard to the questions of the Opposition, and I will pay due regard to them.
Capitol Cinema Redevelopment
MR STEVENSON: My question is to Mr Wood. It relates to the Interim Planning Act 1990 and a draft variation to the Territory Plan, specifically the variation to policy for Griffith, section 96, block 1, the existing car park at the steps of St Christopher's Cathedral, which I understand has been called for by the Government as a result of a proposal to expand the Capitol Cinema at Manuka. Does the proposed cinema development conform to the National Capital Planning Authority's development control plans which seek to secure the integrity of the main avenues as approaches to the parliamentary zone and ensure that the setting, buildings and purposes of development enhance this function?
MR WOOD: The particular draft variation that Mr Stevenson mentions is one to which the Government is giving very close consideration. We are battling to consider all the ramifications of that, while wanting to pay due respect to the commercial realities of the proprietor of the cinema, and still, if we agree, to have it tabled in this Assembly in time for the matter to proceed. The question you raise is one that has been considered. It has been said in various places that there are problems with that proposal; but, as I understand it, the developer's proposals do conform with all requirements.
MR STEVENSON: I have a supplementary question. Do I take it from the answer that the Minister has considered that the reason the cinema is losing money is that there are inadequate car parks in Manuka?
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