Mr MARTIN FERGUSON(4.42 p.m.) —I wish to make a personal explanation on the comments just made by the Minister for Industrial Relations (Mr Reith).

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER—Does the honourable member for Batman claim to have been misrepresented?

Mr MARTIN FERGUSON —Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker, grievously.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Proceed.

Mr MARTIN FERGUSON —In no way is it correct for the minister to suggest that I sought to cast a slur on the Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs (Mr Prosser). As I have clearly indicated, I believe the Hansard is inaccurate. I am going out of my way to clear up the record and to ensure—

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —I am sorry. The honourable member for Batman—

Mr MARTIN FERGUSON —That in no way is there any suggestion that the aspersion is cast on the Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The honourable member for Batman will resume his seat. He has shown where he was misrepresented.

Mr MARTIN FERGUSON —I also request that the Minister for Industrial Relations withdraw the suggestion, the slur on myself with respect to my actions. I take serious offence at it and I ask that he withdraw it.

Mr Reith —You ought to apologise. That is what you ought to do. Mr Deputy Speaker, I made no offensive remarks unless you rule otherwise.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The honourable member for Batman believes that an offensive remark was made. Perhaps the Leader of the House might, although he does not believe he made an offensive remark—

Mr Reith —Mr Deputy Speaker, if you say that I have made an offensive remark—

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —I think it might help the House if you withdrew whatever it is that the member for Batman finds offensive.

Mr Reith —I withdraw, and he ought to apologise for the remarks.

Mr MARTIN FERGUSON —I am asking that the remarks be withdrawn unequivocally. I also have a view that this matter is now concluded.

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Order! The Leader of the House has withdrawn.

Mr Reith —To assist the House, Mr Deputy Speaker, I have withdrawn. I withdraw unequivocally. Mr Deputy Speaker, I say, as I said before: he should apologise for his remarks.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —I am not prepared to allow this to go on indefinitely. Are you on a point of order?

Mr Martin Ferguson —Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker. I asked for an unequivocal withdrawal. The minister then sought to debate the issue. I asked for an unequivocal withdrawal of the slur he cast on me.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —I heard the minister say that he withdrew unequivocally.