Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Carter David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:639;Page:9680] 
8.  
Hon DAVID CARTER (National) 
 to the  
Minister of Fisheries 
: Was the Minister of Maori Affairs the Hon Parekura Horomia consulted on the Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill prior to its introduction to the House? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Minister of Fisheries) 
: 
 Yes as were all my other Cabinet colleagues as part of the normal Cabinet process. 
Hon David Carter 
: What did the Minister mean when he wrote to the Hon Parekura Horomia on 28 November 2006 saying: “I would like information on this proposal to stay within the Government.” and why did he not consider Shane Jones and all Labour Maori caucus members to be part of the Government? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: It would be very helpful if the member were open with the House and finished the sentence he quoted which states: “I would like information on this proposal to stay within the Government”—which is where the member finished the quote; he should have continued—“until Cabinet has made its decisions.” That is the normal Cabinet process. But of course the member did not want to say that because it would have hurt his case. Never let the facts get in the way of one’s own prejudice! 
Pita Paraone 
: Tena koe Madam Speaker. Does the Minister share the views of the Labour Party Maori caucus that the proposed amendment will impact on the value of Maori fisheries assets obtained under the Sealord fisheries settlement; if not why not? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: We are in a situation where we are discussing all of these issues—and I welcome that—both at the select committee which is taking a constructive approach and with other members of Parliament. The reality is that we are facing a crisis of sustainability in some of our fisheries and the Maori caucus members acknowledge that quite strongly. I support them in that and I welcome that support. They have legitimate concerns about the effect of any Act of Parliament or any change in law on commercial fisheries and I accept that. I do not believe that it is necessarily a valid concern but we have to talk it through and we are going to do that and I welcome the discussion. 
Hon David Carter 
: So did the Minister consult Shane Jones and all of the Labour Maori caucus before introducing the Fisheries Act 1996 Amendment Bill to Parliament? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: All bills that go through the Cabinet process go to caucuses. The Progressive caucus met and considered the bill and was in full agreement with its leader on that matter. I am sure that the Labour caucus also met and that its members expressed their views. 
Hon David Carter 
: So why did the Minister sign out a Cabinet paper specifically noting that this particular legislation did not have to go before Government caucuses? 
Hon JIM ANDERTON 
: I believe that the Cabinet minute the member is talking about is a Cabinet minute that went to the economic development Cabinet committee. When Cabinet considered the matter the minute was altered to note that Government caucuses would be consulted and that other parties in the House would be consulted—and other parties in the House were consulted. I remind the member of course that when the bill finally came to Parliament the member’s own party voted for it. 
Hon David Carter 
: I seek leave to table consultation on Cabinet and Cabinet committee submissions signed by Jim Anderton and specifically— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection. 
Hon David Carter 
: I seek leave to table a letter from Mr Anderton to Parekura Horomia dated 28 November 2006. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.