Points of Order — Replies to Written Questions—Timeliness

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I stand to raise it on an issue that I have raised with you twice in this House, and twice again in writing. This time, it has come to my attention that the Minister of Education has, once again, not answered a written question within the stipulated time frame according to the Standing Orders—

💬 Mr SPEAKER: I actually replied to the member this morning. Perhaps he would care to get hold of that letter, and then contemplate whether he wants to take the matter any further—after he has seen the reply.

This concerns a different Minister.

💬 Mr SPEAKER: No, no. I can assure the member that I have replied to the letter the member wrote me. I wrote to him this morning.

Yes, Mr Speaker, but this concerns another case that has just been brought to my attention. As you have just pointed out, you have responded to me in a letter, which I have yet to receive, but now we have the Minister of Education failing to respond to question for written answer No. 14929. Staff from New Zealand First rang the Minister’s office today expressing concern, and got a very blunt and terse response as to what they should do with themselves. This has now got to a stage where I believe that Ministers are trifling with you, Mr Speaker, and with the Standing Orders. You have made it very clear that Ministers must abide by those Standing Orders. I will read your letter, but I ask what we are to do. Where does the protection for the Opposition lie?

💬 Mr SPEAKER: The protection lies with me. The member can be sure that I have taken up matters on behalf of him and other members, used pretty strong words, and had pretty well immediate action. If the member writes to me about this, he will get action.