Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister, and it follows the first question I asked. Deputy Prime Minister, for the second time, when did you become aware of the contents of the cable to which I referred—a copy of which went to your office? When did you become aware of the contents of the cable of 10 April 2001?

Mark Vaile (Lyne, National Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The substance of this issue was that AWB sought advice on payment of port fees, which was appropriately referred to the sanctions committee—

Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order, which goes to relevance. It was a simple question. I asked when he became aware of the contents.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Deputy Prime Minister has only just commenced his answer.

Mark Vaile (Lyne, National Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition is so fixated about times and dates. As I was beginning to say, the AWB sought advice on port fees. Advice was given. After seeking that advice from the UN sanctions committee, the issue was resolved to DFAT’s knowledge and the AWB advised that the Iraqi demands were dropped. That is the essence of the issue. If you want me to check my records, I will check my records.