Points of Order — Question for Written Answer—Immigration

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I seek your ruling as to whether it is acceptable under the Standing Orders for the Minister of Immigration, the Hon David Cunliffe, to refuse to answer a series of written questions relating to the representations by the Hon Taito Phillip Field and other Labour members on immigration matters, an issue in which there is a considerable level of public interest, with the excuse given that: “I do not consider this a good use of my department’s time and resources.”

The Minister acknowledged that the information was held by his department but he did not consider it was worth providing it to this Parliament. I submit that that is tantamount to treating this Parliament with contempt, and seek your clarification of Parliament’s requirements in respect of ministerial accountability.

💬 Madam SPEAKER: I thank the member. I will look at it and get back to him once I have had an opportunity to do so.