Page 4025 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 16 December 1992
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MR HUMPHRIES: This is notwithstanding the fact that there is no question before the Chair; in other words, with or without a question before the Chair. He is just filibustering, Madam Speaker.
Mr Berry: It strikes me that we have another attempt by Mr Humphries to debate issues which he has had a turn at. He should have just copped his turn and then sat down.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Berry, I believe that Mr Humphries is in order. Please continue, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, you have ruled several times - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Just proceed, Mr Humphries; that is fine.
Mr Humphries: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: You have ruled several times that I am entitled to make a statement, and several times Mr Berry has raised the same point of order. I would ask that, if he makes the same point of order again, contrary to your ruling, you name him.
MADAM SPEAKER: Well, I may just warn him first, Mr Humphries, but thank you for the advice. Please continue.
MR HUMPHRIES: Thank you. As I suggested before, legal opinion indicated in that advice given to me - - -
Mr Berry: It is outrageous. It is debating the issue.
Mr De Domenico: Madam Speaker, I raise a point of order. I think Mr Berry's interjection that it is outrageous to debate the issue is a reflection on your ruling as the Chair. I ask Mr Berry to withdraw that remark.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr De Domenico, if indeed Mr Humphries was debating the issue, it would be outrageous; so on that basis Mr Berry is entitled to make that interjection. However - - -
MR HUMPHRIES: Was I debating the issue, Madam Speaker?
MADAM SPEAKER: You were not debating the issue. Would you please proceed, and I will ask Mr Berry to make no further interjections. Please proceed, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, the legal opinion which the advice of 5 April referred to clearly indicated that there was doubt about the question of the regulations. As a result, two actions flowed from that, Madam Speaker. First of all, as members can clearly see from the bottom of the document, rather than just "Noted", as is an option for documents of this kind, I indicated "Please discuss". In other words, I wished to pursue further with my department the questions raised in this matter. My recollection is that those discussions did take place and further action flowed from those discussions.
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