The Day In Parliament (Press, 6 November 1985)

On 5 November 1985, the New Zealand Parliament convened at 2 p.m., where ministers addressed five questions of the day alongside ten questions on notice. Following a division that the Government won 42-32, the House adopted urgency for the introduction of the Social Security Amendment Bill (No. 2) and the presentation of select committee reports. The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Hercus, introduced the bill, which was subsequently referred to the Social Services Select Committee. Debate then commenced on the Hospitals Amendment Bill but was paused for dinner at 5.30 p.m. After reconvening at 7.30 p.m., the debate on the Hospitals Amendment Bill resumed, and following another division, the Government once again won with a 38-32 vote. Later, Mr R. K. Maxwell, the chairman of the Primary Production Select Committee, moved for the reporting back of the Meat Amendment Bill. An amendment proposed by the Opposition to send the bill back to committee was rejected, with a vote of 40-33, and the bill duly passed. In a significant moment, Mr T. C. Mallard presented the Justice and Law Reform Committee's report on three petitions urging Parliament to vote against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, along with 31 petitions advocating for the bill's rejection. He indicated the committee had made no specific recommendation. An amendment from Mr N. P. H. Jones, requesting that these petitions receive “most favourable consideration” from the Government, was defeated with a vote of 39-34, and the select committee's report was then tabled. The session continued with Mr J. G. Dillon reporting back on the Nelson College Empowering Bill, and Mr T. J. Young reporting on the Christchurch District Drainage Amendment Bill. Furthermore, Mr R. J. Northey, the chairman of the Electoral Law Select Committee, brought forward the Popular Initiatives Bill, which was also debated. Having earlier taken urgency, the House remained in session until 11 p.m. The Popular Initiatives Bill was reported back with a recommendation against its further progression, following a 7-4-2 vote. The House finally adjourned at 11.05 p.m.

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