Senator FAULKNER (Manager of Government Business in the Senate) —by leave—In informal discussions between myself, Senator Gareth Evans and Senator Hill about this matter, we discussed the need to have question time at an appropriate stage. An understanding was reached that in bringing question time forward we would, on the cessation of question time, go back to congratulatory speeches and valedictories. In so doing, Senator Sibraa would have an opportunity to make a contribution to the debate. That was the spirit in which the decision was taken: we wished to assist Senator Hill in his desire to bring question time forward. When informal arrangements like this are made it is appropriate that we operate in that spirit and I suggest that the earlier decision be adhered to.