Slow progress was made on bills today as National MPs took their time debating legislation.
The committee stage of the non-controversial private bill – the Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust Bill took just over an hour.
Debate on the local bill – the Christchurch City Council (Rates Validation) Bill lasted for a similar time.
Once again MPs reiterated their distaste for passing retrospective validation legislation and Scott Simpson, the chair of the committee which considered the bill, once again said he was very unhappy the council showed no contrition for making significant errors.
Motions to close the debate were voted down by National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future.
Both bills were eventually reported without amendment on a voice vote at 9.26pm.
MPs then began the third reading debate on the Social Security (Clothing Allowances for Orphans and Unsupported Children) Amendment Bill which was interrupted when the House rose at 10pm.
This means no first readings of members’ bills took place and no ballot will be held for new members’ bills to be selected.
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