We say that it is essential that in a period of Such Deep Crisis as this, the House should be kept in session, and that the nation needs the services of the Opposition and the services of the Leader of the Opposition.

It would have been far better to suspend such a debate at a time when the agriculture industry is in Such Deep Crisis and to consider foot and mouth disease instead.

I confess that I find it extraordinary that so much valuable parliamentary time is being taken up debating this Bill at a time when farming is in Such Deep Crisis, not simply because of the recent epidemic of foot and mouth disease but also because of the savage reduction in farm incomes, which happened during the past few years.