Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) to Georgina Beyer (Member in charge of Local Bill): Why has she sought to postpone the second reading of the Masterton District Council (Montfort Trimble Foundation) Bill under Standing Order 71(1)(b)?

GEORGINA BEYER (Labour—Wairarapa): In answer to the member, it was in order to assist progress on the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Bill.

Hon Peter Dunne: In making that trade-off, did the member consult the district council to obtain its approval, or was she acting as a result of discussion with the whips of her own party?

GEORGINA BEYER: I had an informal conversation with the Mayor of Masterton District about my intention to defer the second reading of the bill until 5 November, and subsequently left a telephone message for him when I had, in fact, sought that deferral from the Clerk of the House.

Jim Peters: Why should the good people of Masterton wait a further time when the bill has been considered by the select committee, submissions have been heard, and the final mind of the committee has been made known, merely because of a political device?

GEORGINA BEYER: I understand that according to the Standing Order quoted by the original questioner I have the privilege in this House to make that decision, as a member in charge of a local bill.