Urgent Debates Declined — Meridian Energy—Tīwai Point Smelter Contract Negotiations

I have received letters from Dr Russel Norman and the Hon Clayton Cosgrove seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the announcement by Meridian Energy that it is unlikely a new agreement can be reached with Pacific Aluminium. For there to be an urgent debate the matter raised must be a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. A particular case of recent occurrence must either be a new situation of importance or a new development in an existing situation of sufficient importance in itself to warrant a debate being held. Negotiations are still continuing, and the current contract remains in place. The business of the House should not be set aside just because an announcement has been made of ongoing negotiations. Not every such announcement will give grounds for a debate to be held. The application is therefore declined.