Points of Order — Written Questions—Use of Interim Answers

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I raise a point of order with regard to your ruling about interim replies, on 26 July, when you said: “Every endeavour must be made to provide a full reply within the period specified in Standing Orders.” On 24 July I asked a question of the Minister of Health: “When was the Minister first made aware of concerns held by the Waikato DHB about CEO Nigel Murray’s expenses?”. That question was due yesterday, and the Minister’s office gave me an interim reply. I have contacted the Minister’s office subsequently and asked for that question, along with a range of others, to be addressed. As of right now, I still have not had a reply to a question that is—

Order! I have heard enough, and I will look into the matter. But I would be grateful if members, if they have difficulties around receiving answers to written questions—I advise them, as, indeed, Sue Moroney advises that she has in this case, to take it up with the Minister’s office first, and then, certainly, take it up with my office or through the Office of the Clerk to me. I will look at it. It is probably not helpful to raise it on the floor of the House as a point of order.

Question time resumed.