RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Chairperson. You may have missed the interplay that has just occurred, but it probably did not go past your notice that Mr Borrows came across the Chamber in a very agitated manner as a result of my objecting to Mr Craig Foss making a personal explanation. Can I tell you, Mr Chairperson, that I have no objection to Mr Foss again seeking leave to make a personal explanation. My objection was raised against the background of my being denied the opportunity to make a personal explanation, at which time I did tell Gerry Brownlee: “Never again.” Mr Chairman, I just want the Committee to know, and you to know, that Mr Peters is quite happy for Mr Foss to make his personal explanation. I have just spoken to him, so if Mr Foss seeks leave again there will be no objection from New Zealand First.
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) Link to this
Thank you very much for that, Mr Mark. For members’ benefit, can I just say that if people make approaches across the Chamber, that can be seen as intimidation and it can lead elsewhere.
CRAIG FOSS (National—Tukituki) Link to this
I seek leave to make a personal explanation regarding allegations made against me in question time today.
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) Link to this
The member is seeking leave. Is there any objection? There is objection.
RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Chairperson. I have just had some accusations thrown across the Chamber that I was spoken to by Mr Dail Jones and made to change my view. Can I make it clear to you—[ Interruption]
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) Link to this
Will the member be seated for a minute, please. I just remind members that when a point of order is on the floor, two things are important. The first is that it is succinct and to the point, and the second is that there are no interjections whatsoever. They can be seen as intimidation, and that can lead to a breach of privilege.
I just say to you, Mr Chairman, that at the time when I objected I was not aware that the National Party had allowed the Rt Hon Mr Peters to make a personal explanation, because I was not in the House when that occurred. Mr Tremain knows that, which is why he is nodding. Having been advised that had happened, I changed my stance.
The CHAIRPERSON (H V Ross Robertson) Link to this
Thank you, Mr Mark. It is not a matter of explaining things; it is just a matter of whether people object. There has been no objection from New Zealand First. There was objection elsewhere.