MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Transport Services. Why is the government increasing the motor vehicle registration administration fees—namely, a charge of $2 a month—for people who had previously been paying a full year's registration and now may choose to use the monthly direct debit system?

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:06): If the member could repeat the question.

Ms CHAPMAN: Why is the government increasing the motor vehicle registration administration fees—namely, a charge of $2 a month—for those who elect to use the monthly direct debit system, as distinct from the annual system where there is an annual payment?

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: This is my understanding: in large part it is because this is the transactional charge by the bank for using the direct debit facility. I am sure that is the fact of the matter, but I will return to the house with a more definitive answer or explanation, but it actually is by and large an administrative fee, a large component of which relates to the cost of doing business with the bank.