Urgent Debates Declined — Dairy Products, Whey Protein—Contamination Incident and Test Results

I have received a letter from the Hon Damien O’Connor seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the incorrect finding from AgResearch that indicated that Clostridium botulinum was found in whey protein concentrate shipments manufactured by Fonterra. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The Ministry for Primary Industries provided the results of additional testing it had commissioned last Wednesday. A debate on the initial finding was held on 6 August. A number of inquiries are under way and the announcement that the bacteria found in the whey protein concentrate was not Clostridium botulinum will not affect them. There will be other opportunities to consider the matter when the results of the inquiries are known. I do not consider I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House again today. The application is therefore declined.