STATE BUDGET

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Does the Treasurer then, in light of his response, now accept that his remark in his ministerial statement yesterday that the operating surplus was 'due to lower operating expenses of $80 million' was factually wrong and that expenses for the year in question rose by $374 million? If he does accept it, why did he make misleading remarks to the house yesterday?

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: Sir, I ask the leader to withdraw the remark that I have misled the house, otherwise I want a substantive motion moved against me.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Premier will take his seat.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Accusations of lying or misleading or dishonesty are always disorderly. I have to admit that, simply to get through business, I have often just let things go when I should not. All accusations of deceptive behaviour by another member are always disorderly, whether they be made in the course of a speech or in answer to a question or by way of interjection. I think the Leader of the Opposition accused the Deputy Premier of making misleading remarks. I ask him to withdraw.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: I am happy to withdraw. I would like an answer.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. You have asked your question. Now can the Deputy Premier proceed with his answer?

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: As he has withdrawn the fact that I have misled, therefore I have not.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Reynell.

Mr Hamilton-Smith interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition!

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON: I rise on a point of order, Mr Speaker. The deputy leader just referred to the Treasurer twice as a coward. That is unparliamentary language, and I ask you to require her to withdraw.

The SPEAKER: If the Treasurer took offence at the words uttered by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, he can bring it to my attention. I did not hear them.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: I did hear it twice and I was deeply offended at being called a coward.

The SPEAKER: Order! That is all I require of the deputy leader. I did not hear the remarks. If they were made by the deputy leader I ask her to withdraw.

Ms CHAPMAN: They were, indeed. I did say that twice. As the Treasurer is obviously so wounded by it, I humbly apologise.

The Hon. K.O. Foley: Thank you, I feel better now.

The SPEAKER: If we can get on with things, I would be very happy.