Senator ALSTON (Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts) (6:36 PM) —I seek leave to have the vote on the second reading to the National Transmission Network Sale Bill 1997 and the National Transmission Network Sale (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1997 taken again.

Senator Schacht —What is the explanation?

The PRESIDENT —Perhaps I could throw some light on that. I was the person who missed the division at 12.40 p.m. I had gone to a function in the private dining room at about 12.35 p.m. without my pager and I did not hear any bells up there, nor did anyone draw my attention to it. I missed the division; I was in the private dining room at a function at the time. I ask the indulgence of the Senate to have the motion recommitted. I was the person who missed the division.