Mr TANNER (4:15 PM) —Mr Speaker—

The SPEAKER —I suspect I am currently asked more questions than ministers. I wonder how much longer this will continue but the standing orders allow it to happen, so the member for Melbourne has the call.

Mr TANNER —I think it is a fair while since I have asked you one, Mr Speaker, so I am sure you will accept the question. I refer again to the answer to the question given by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and his refusal to table the letter that he was supposedly quoting from in that answer. I draw your attention to the fact that in that answer he was using that letter as a basis to launch accusations against people who are not members of this House. I refer you to page 108 of the standing orders and the resolution of the House of 27 August 1997 with respect to the right of reply of persons who are referred to in the House and the powers of the Committee of Privileges to examine a complaint by somebody who is not a member of the House. I ask whether the Committee of Privileges would have the power to ask the minister to provide a copy of the letter that was the basis for his accusations should those people seek to raise them and seek a right of reply.

The SPEAKER —Given the nature of the member for Melbourne's question, I would have thought the responsible thing, which I will do, would be to take it on notice and respond initially to him and, if necessary, to the House.