Senator ELLISON (Special Minister of State) —I give noitice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (7) of standing order 111 not apply to the Export Market Development Grants Legislation Amendment Bill 1999, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.

Senator ELLISON —I table my statement of reasons. I seek leave to have that statement incorporated in Hansard .

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR THE SENATE

Export Market Development Grants Legislation Amendment Bill 1999

The Purpose of this Bill is to extend the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Scheme for a further two years to grant year 2000/2001, effect amendments to establish the original intention of a number of provisions of the Export Market Development Grants Act 1997, and provide for better administration of the grants scheme.

Urgency

The EMDG Scheme currently expires at the end of the 1998/1999 Grant Year (i.e. on 30 June 1999). The EMDG Legislation Amendment Bill 1999 must be passed by 30 June 1999 to ensure continuation of the EMDG Scheme beyond that date.

Circulated with the Authority of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade.

Senator Calvert, at the request of Senator Eggleston, to move, on the next day of sitting:

That the time for the presentation of the report of the Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee on its inquiry into the provisions of the Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment Bill 1999 and 2 related bills be extended to 11 May 1999.

Senator Murphy to move, on the next day of sitting:

That the Economics References Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on 22 April 1999 from 5 pm, to take evidence for the committee's inquiry into whether a new reactor should be built to replace the High Flux Australian Reactor at Lucas Heights.

Senator O'Brien, at the request of Senator Mackay, to move, on the next day of sitting:

That the Senate notes the failure of Government ministers and their departments to adequately respond to parliamentary questions and requests for information on government programs and administration.

Senator Calvert, at the request of Senator Ferguson, to move, on the next day of sitting:

That the Economics Legislation Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on 23 April 1999 from 10 am to 12 noon, to take evidence for the committee's inquiry into the provisions of the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 4) 1998.