Mr St CLAIR (2:53 PM) —My question is addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Would the Deputy Prime Minister outline to the House the current situation regarding regional airline routes previously serviced by Ansett? Would the minister also advise what is being done to move those passengers that are still stranded?

Mr ANDERSON (Minister for Transport and Regional Services) —I thank the honourable member for New England for his question.

Opposition members—More services are being brought on, and the government scheme is contributing.

Mr ANDERSON —More services are being brought on, and the government scheme is contributing.

Opposition members—I advised the House yesterday that 23—

Mr ANDERSON —I advised the House yesterday that 23 of the 34—

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Batman is warned!

Mr ANDERSON —Someone must be giving him reading lessons. I advised yesterday that 23 of the 34 destinations previously served by Ansett alone—

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr ANDERSON —Mr Speaker?

Mr SPEAKER —I would remind all members that this is question time. All members seek to get information from ministers as a result of asking questions. The chair, at least, would like to have an answer to this question. The chair, representing a regional electorate, even has a vested interest in the question, and expects the courtesy that should be extended to all ministers to be extended to the minister. If necessary, I will simply issue a general warning. I have not done so, but I will happily do so if so provoked.

Mr Murphy —Mr Speaker, I seek leave to table the Deputy Prime Minister's response.

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Lowe will resume his seat.

Mr ANDERSON —I advised the House yesterday that, of the 34 centres around Australia that had previously been serviced exclusively by Ansett or its subsidiaries that no longer had services, 23 were receiving air services under contingency arrangements.

Opposition members—Today there are another two coming on stream—

Mr ANDERSON —Today there are another two coming on stream: Aerotropics—

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr ANDERSON —Mr Speaker, really! I will do a press conference afterwards.

Mr SPEAKER —The minister will continue or I will take action as necessary. Has the minister concluded his answer?

Mr ANDERSON —Yes.