Browning Steffan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeBrowning Steffan: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 31 July 2013. Volume:692;Page:12116. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.STEFFAN BROWNING (Green)to theMinister for Primary Industries: Does he still support the key feature of the Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill that required all foreign-owned vessels operating in New Zealand waters to carry the New Zealand flag from 1 May 2016 and operate under full New Zealand legal jurisdiction; if not why not?Hon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister for Primary Industries)on behalf of theMinister for Primary Industries: Yes.Steffan Browning: Has he or any of his colleagues had any discussions or contact with National Party president PeterGoodfellow regarding extending the date for some operators of foreign charter vessels beyond 2016 given MrGoodfellow is also the director of a company that stands to benefit from this exemption?Hon JO GOODHEW: I can speak only for myself since you asked about colleagues—no.Hon Trevor Mallard: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. What is not clear from that answer was whether the “myself” referred to was Minister Goodhew or the Minister for Primary Industries. I think it was the Minister—Mr SPEAKER: Well no I think I can interpret it very clearly. Because the Minister was answering on behalf of another Minister she was not prepared to categorically say whether the Minister himself had spoken to MrGoodfellow.Hon Trevor Mallard: She said “on behalf of myself”.Mr SPEAKER: And she was stating quite clearly that she could not speak on behalf of her colleague but that she could speak on behalf of herself and that she had not spoken to the gentleman.Steffan Browning: Has he seen and does he support the submission from Sanford a company that National Party presidentGoodfellow has a substantial interest in which seeks an exemption to allow the continued use of foreign charter vessels and does he or his colleagues personally support such an exemption?Hon JO GOODHEW: The Primary Production Committee of which the member himself is a member heard many submissions from many affected members of the public and companies. Last week the select committee reported back to the House on the bill. The committee made a range of amendments including those exemptions. I have publicly stated that I have some concerns with the amendments that the select committee made and I am seeking further advice from officials before making any decisions on potential changes.Steffan Browning: Has he seen reports that our continued use of foreign charter vessels may damage our international reputation with the United States; if so why is his Government risking our international reputation in regards to the continued use of these slave ships?Hon JO GOODHEW: I have seen reports and this bill in fact seeks to address those issues. It is now back from the select committee and as I have already said I am seeking further advice on the amendments.Steffan Browning: Will he commit with that advice to ensuring that no foreign charter vessels will be operating in New Zealand waters past 2016 and that there will be no dodgy exceptions for some vested interests to the original date for ending slavery on our seas?Hon JO GOODHEW: I will repeat what I have already asserted and that is that the Minister has some concerns with the amendments and is seeking further advice from officials before making any decisions.