Urgent Debates Declined — Schools, Canterbury—Merger of Phillipstown and Woolston Schools

I have received a letter from Chris Hipkins seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the Minister of Education’s decision to merge Phillipstown School and Woolston School. The Minister’s announcement is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. A debate was held on the Government’s proposed changes in September 2012 because of the importance of the proposal for the future direction of education in Canterbury and the wider public interest. The Minister’s announcement today relates to a particular school merger. Speaker’s ruling 190/6 is relevant. Following in principle consideration by the House, every subsequent decision will not necessarily be of sufficient importance to warrant an urgent debate. The general debate today offers members the opportunity to raise particular constituency concerns. In these circumstances I am not convinced that I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House again today. The application is therefore declined.