Mr SWAN (2:39 PM) —My question is directed to the Prime Minister: can you confirm that you have denied that Peter Reith told you that children were not thrown overboard—

Government members interjecting—

Miss Jackie Kelly —It is a big joke, isn't it?

Mr SWAN —It says a lot about you!

The SPEAKER —Member for Lindsay, for the third time!

The SPEAKER —The member for Charlton will withdraw that reflection on the chair or I will deal with her instantly.

Ms Hoare —I withdraw.

The SPEAKER —I call the member for Lilley.

Mr SWAN —Can the Prime Minister confirm that he has denied that Peter Reith told him that children were not thrown overboard despite specifically requesting the information in relation to this on 7 November 2001? Can he confirm that he has admitted that Peter Reith told him that there was doubt over the photographs of the children overboard incident that same day and that he twice spoke to Peter Reith's advisers that night about the video and the photographs?Prime Minister, given these events, will you rule out the appointment of Peter Reith to the ABC board—

Opposition members interjecting—

The SPEAKER —The member for Lilley has the call. He is entitled to be heard in silence.

Mr SWAN —Prime Minister, given these events, will you rule out the appointment of Peter Reith to the ABC board or to a diplomatic posting or to any other post?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —To borrow a phrase used in another context, I have nothing to add to what I have previously said on the subject.