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

I have received a letter from the Hon Clayton Cosgrove seeking to debate under Standing Order 386—[Interruption] Order! I have received a letter from the Hon Clayton Cosgrove seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 Meridian Energy’s announcement that the Government has contributed $30 million as part of the negotiation of Meridian Energy’s electricity contract with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd over electricity supply to the Tīwai Point aluminium smelter. This announcement is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. However, the business of the House should not be set aside just because an announcement has been made, even though it may be important. There must be an element of urgency for the matter to take precedence over other business. The agreement on a new electricity contract for the smelter demonstrates a commitment by New Zealand Aluminium Smelters to continue operating the smelter until at least January 2017. In this time there will be regular opportunities to review and debate the operation of the Meridian Energy contract. There is nothing in the member’s application that convinces me that I would be justified in allowing a debate today. The application is therefore declined.