Urgent Debates Declined — Earthquake, Christchurch—Creation of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority

I have received a letter from the Hon Clayton Cosgrove seeking to debate under Standing Order 380 the creation of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. This may well be a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility, but the member has provided no authenticating material. That in itself is sufficient ground to decline an application. I refer the member to Speakers’ ruling 170/5. The member, though, refers in his letter to anticipated legislation. I understand legislation is to be introduced in coming weeks. The consideration of this legislation will provide the opportunity to debate the establishment of the authority. I indicate it is not the lack of authentication that has caused me to fail to support the member’s letter today. I believe there is to be a debate on this matter, and in these circumstances I am not persuaded that the business of the House should be set aside today. The application is therefore declined.