Urgent Debates Declined — District Health Boards—Health Benefits Ltd

Honourable members, I have received a letter from the Hon Annette King seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the current concerns regarding the financial situation and mandate of Health Benefits Ltd and the pressure this organisation is placing on district health boards. For a debate to be held there must be a particular case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. The Minister of Health is answerable to the House for the performance and current operations of Health Benefits Ltd. But a debate cannot be granted on the basis of media speculation about its performance. A case of recent occurrence occurs when a decision for which the Minister is responsible is made and announced. While there may be ongoing concerns, there must be a new development of sufficient importance in itself to warrant setting aside the business of the House. While public confidence in New Zealand’s health system is important, the requirements for a debate have not been made out clearly today. The application is therefore declined.