Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. On 20 October this year I asked a written question of the Minister of Justice, outlining my concern that an 18-year-old Korean male student charged with threatening to kill, sexual violation, indecent assault, and other serious charges had been granted legal aid. On 24 October 2003 the Minister replied, saying that his agency had not been provided with sufficient details to confirm whether the student referred to in the question was in receipt of legal aid. Given that I had identified the school that the student attended, I was surprised at the inability of the ministry to identify the student, given the extremely serious nature of the charges he is facing. But I attempted to oblige the Minister, in a follow-up question on 30 October, by providing the name of the alleged offender. By way of response, on the same day I was advised that my follow-up question was out of order because I had not provided evidence by way of authentication that the alleged offender was of that name.

My point of order is that the parliamentary process is being deliberately frustrated here, and the New Zealand public is being denied information pertinent to the use—or, in this instance, misuse—of its taxes. I am seeking your assistance: I want the blockage to my questions regarding this matter being answered to be removed. In summary, I asked a question, I was asked for more detail, I provided more detail, yet I was still denied an answer. That is wrong, and I request your assistance.

I will give the member my assistance, and I promise him I will have a look at the matter and give him a fuller ruling. Under Standing Order 365(1)(a), names of persons are not to be used in a question unless they are strictly necessary and can be authenticated. No authentication with regard to the person named by the member has been received, but I will have another look at the issue, as he has asked me to do.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I understand the Standing Order, but it plainly becomes ridiculous when the name is not of any great particularity, other than as it relates to this case. I think I am suffering from obfuscation, delay, and bloody-mindedness.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I will have a look at the matter, as I said.