Points of Order — Questions for Oral Answer—Number of Questions

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I draw your attention to the fact that the Standing Orders provide for 12 oral questions every day, and today there are only 11 questions. My understanding is that the reason is that one of ACT’s questions has now been allocated to Mrs Awatere Huata, who has not exercised that right. I think that that shows the ridiculous situation the House is now in. I would like you to take the matter up with the Business Committee. It appears to me that we are losing Parliament’s right to hold the executive accountable if we are in a situation where we are allocating a question to a member who cannot even turn up to ask the question.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: This was a decision of the Business Committee. I am happy to accept the honourable member’s attention, and I will put the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.