Page 3908 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 9 November 1994
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MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, I seek leave to make a personal explanation under standing order 46.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, during the last 24 hours there has been much toing-and-froing about this matter that has just been resolved by the Assembly. In the course of that debate I had cause to move, as you would know, Madam Speaker, a motion on the floor of the Administration and Procedures Committee last night, that this matter of the abortion Bill be brought forward and put on the daily program for debate today. As you would also know, Madam Speaker, the motion that I moved on the floor of the Administration and Procedures Committee was defeated by three votes to one.
Mr Moore: Why?
MR HUMPHRIES: Madam Speaker, because, as Mr Moore indicated, he felt, and I think the others shared that view, that the thing should be resolved on the floor of the Assembly. That is his view. I raise this matter - - -
Mr Moore: Because there was no request by the person responsible for the Bill.
MR HUMPHRIES: Indeed. The point I make is that it was the majority view, not the unanimous view, of the committee that that be the case. I raise the matter because I am aware that one member, Mrs Grassby, has been in the process of telling members of the community - I imagine that some are sitting in the gallery today - that I concurred in the decision of the Administration and Procedures Committee last night to leave this matter off the notice paper for debate today. That is a heinous and outrageous lie, and Mrs Grassby well knows it.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Humphries, you will have to withdraw that. You can rephrase it. Withdraw that, please.
MR HUMPHRIES: Since standing orders require me, Madam Speaker, I will withdraw; but, Madam Speaker, I will say that members should be aware that it is totally untrue to suggest that I concurred in the decision made by the Administration and Procedures Committee last night, as you would verify, that this matter not be brought forward for debate today.
MRS GRASSBY: Madam Speaker, I would like to make a personal explanation. I will not call Mr Humphries a liar. I can think it.
Mr Cornwell: I ask that that be withdrawn.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MRS GRASSBY: I said that I will not call him a liar, Mr Cornwell.
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