Mr SPEAKER —Order! It being after 7.30 p.m., I propose the question:

Mr McMullan —Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. My understanding is that we just defeated the amendment. Don't you have to put the motion? We are not going to divide on it. We are quite happy to carry the motion, but I think we had better put it.

Mr SPEAKER —I shall inquire. In fact, as the Manager of Opposition Business is aware, I have just come into the chair. If it is the wish of the minister at the table to put the motion—

Mr Tuckey —No, the motion has now been dealt with because of the nature of the vote, Mr Speaker. The motion was that the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the question. The question has been resolved in the affirmative. The question was that—

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr Tuckey —No, the amendment was defeated.

Mr Tuckey —No, we didn't because we did not vote on the amendment. The question put to the House was that the words proposed to be omitted—

Mr SPEAKER —The minister at the table cannot enter into a debate across the table. It is necessary for the purposes of the parliament for us to resolve precisely what is needed. If the Manager of Opposition Business, in an effort to facilitate the debate, believes that the motion before the chair should be that the motion be put—

Mr Tuckey —A reference to Hansard will show that the motion just dealt with was `that the words proposed to be omitted'—which was the opposition amendment—`stand part of the question.'

Mr SPEAKER —I understand.

Mr Tuckey —We have therefore dealt with my original motion. In the meantime, we have had a series of `questions be put' and everything, and a problem where the last matter was left out and reinstated. The matter is therefore resolved.

Mr McMullan —I was only trying to be helpful.

Mr SPEAKER —I understand.

Mr McMullan —I think the minister is wrong, but I could not care less. I withdraw my point of order. If they are wrong, we will deal with it tomorrow.

Mr SPEAKER —The Manager of Opposition Business was, I believe, attempting to facilitate the parliament. The minister at the table has indicated that facilitation is not required. I thank the Manager of Opposition Business for withdrawing the point of order. The question currently before the House is that the House do now adjourn.