Urgent Debates Declined — Minister of Immigration — Resignation

The other two subjects both relate to particular cases of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. Not all ministerial resignations lead to an urgent debate, but I accept that in the circumstances of this one, there are grounds for a debate today. The announcement from the Minister of Education on the school review programme is also of sufficient importance to justify a debate today. Thus, I have two subjects that would justify a debate today. In those circumstances, I have to choose, under Standing Order 375, which subject should be given priority as the most urgent and important. It seems to me that a change in educational policy of this nature is, in substance, the more important of the two issues. With regard to the resignation, two inquiries are in train. These may give rise to further information that the House can address in the future. I therefore give priority to the applications relating to the school review programme from the Hon Bill English, Rod Donald, and the Hon Brian Donnelly. As the first such application was from the Hon Bill English, I call upon him to move that the House take note of a matter of urgent public importance.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. In accepting your ruling, I ask whether you have considered the fact that the two inquiries you speak of, into matters relating to the resignation of the Minister, will not in fact inquire into activities in the Minister’s office, will not inquire into the behaviour of the Minister, and will not inquire into the behaviour of the Prime Minister in that matter.

That is a debating point. I can accept one application. I have accepted Mr English’s.