Urgent Debates Declined — Dunedin Hospital—Asbestos

I have received a letter from Dr David Clark seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the discovery of dangerous levels of asbestos at Dunedin Hospital and the implications for the provision of public health services in the Otago region. This is a particular case of recent occurrence and involves ministerial responsibility. However, the member’s authentication shows that a press conference was held by the Southern District Health Board at 1 o’clock this afternoon. The board is doing further testing and getting advice, and no essential services are reported to be affected. In these circumstances I am not convinced that I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House today to debate this matter. The application is therefore declined.