Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquake, Christchurch—Announcement of Recovery Package

I have received a letter from Hilary Calvert seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the announcement today of a $6.85 million recovery package for Christchurch. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The test for whether a particular case of recent occurrence requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The business of the House should not be set aside just because a ministerial statement has been made, even though it may be important. There must be an element of urgency that the matter must take precedence over other business.

It is also relevant when considering whether a matter requires the urgent attention of the House to consider whether there are other parliamentary means of debating the subject. The House has before it today the financial review debate. This provides an opportunity to debate the current operations of the Ministry of Economic Development, from where the $6.85 million funding will be realigned. I am not persuaded that the business of the House should be set aside today. The application is, therefore, declined.