Urgent Debates Declined — Primary Industries—Discovery of Mycoplasma Bovis in South Canterbury

I have received a letter from the Hon Damien O’Connor seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the discovery of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis in South Canterbury. This is a particular case of recent occurrence and there is ministerial responsibility for the response to the disease by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The test for whether a particular case requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. The risk to our primary sector from animal disease is an important matter. This outbreak has been responded to by MPI and is limited in its scope at present. I am not convinced that this matter is urgent enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House today; therefore the application is declined.