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Page: 2653
Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister)(4.38 p.m.)
—Mr Speaker, on indulgence: you will, of course, decide how you respond to the suggestion made by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley). That will be entirely a matter for you. My recollection is that the literature on this subject is pretty mixed. Over the years there have been some different stances taken by different people in relation to different allegations made by different people. I do not know, for that reason, that the example quoted by the Leader of the Opposition is an authentic—
Mr Beazley interjecting—
Mr SPEAKER
—Order! The Leader of the Opposition was heard in silence. The Prime Minister will be.
Mr HOWARD
—I have moved a lot of censure motions in this place. I think I have moved more censure motions than anybody in the chamber at the present time. I repeat my claim that the literature is very mixed on the subject.
I would also submit very seriously for your consideration that there is a difference between somebody making a statement that a particular proposition is a lie and making an allegation that a particular person is a liar. There is a very big difference. What you decide to do in relation to the matter is entirely one for you, sir.
I simply make the two points—I notice your predecessor nodding assent that there is a difference—that there is a difference, and that difference has been pointed out in the past by people occupying the chair. I think the former Prime Minister made that observation—not that I would normally draw on him as an authority on parliamentary matters. But I do think there is a difference between describing a particular proposition as a lie and branding somebody as a liar. I think there is a qualitative difference between the two.
The second observation I would make is that, if you go back over the record, you will find that the literature is very mixed. For that reason, I would respectfully submit that you are free to establish your own standard in relation to this matter without being particularly constrained by what has gone before.