Urgent Debates Declined — Deed of Settlement—Ngāti Awa

I have received a letter from Stephen Franks seeking to debate under Standing Order 376 a deed of settlement signed by the Crown and Ngāti Awa. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility, but, as the member acknowledges in his letter, the deed of settlement will require legislation for its implementation. The House will therefore have plenty of opportunity to consider its implications while passing the legislation. I see no reason for the House to set aside its business for an urgent debate on the deed today.