Page 3669 - Week 12 - Thursday, 13 October 1994
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Actually, it is 55 rather than 56; but never mind. Madam Speaker, as we speak moves are afoot to open some 24 additional beds.
We might get to that point.
Mr Stevenson: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: I find it difficult to hear Mr Humphries. These points are vital if we are to make a decision. It is the interruption, with other people talking as well.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. It seemed to be remarkably quiet.
Mr Stevenson: Madam Speaker - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: I have asked for order. That is enough.
Mr Stevenson: I take a point of order, Madam Speaker - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: No. I have heard you. That is sufficient.
Mr Stevenson: I take a point of order - - -
MADAM SPEAKER: Another one. Go on.
Mr Stevenson: Mr Connolly was talking. It is a very important point. It is no good if I or other members cannot hear what Mr Humphries is talking about.
MADAM SPEAKER: It is all right, Mr Stevenson. Do not take umbrage. Mr Connolly has calmed down. I call Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: I appreciate the attention to my words. I was quoting from Mr Connolly's remarks on 16 June this year in answering a question from Mrs Carnell. He said:
... as we speak moves are afoot to open some 24 additional beds.
Mr Connolly was adopting his usual approach in these matters; he was being fairly bombastic and was indicating that Mrs Carnell was - to quote another phrase used today - "a silly politician". He repeated that he believed that there were a number of new beds coming on stream very soon. I quote him:
As I say, 24 are coming on stream immediately.
This was an important part of the Government being able to show that it did consider additional beds as being an important factor in improving the quality of hospital care and that it was working towards facilitating those extra beds as soon as it could.
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