DEBATES — Ministry for Primary Industries, Proposed Cuts—Leave Declined

Point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to hold an urgent debate on the proposed cuts to Ministry for Primary Industries staff announced close to noon today that will affect Biosecurity New Zealand, as one of many agencies, and its ability to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis and to protect our primary industries from foot and mouth disease and from fruit fly. I put to you that it is a recent event, it is one that involves ministerial responsibility, and it is important, so, therefore, I seek leave to hold an urgent debate.

It is a matter for leave to be put and I will put the leave, but I would point out to the member that the timing of that announcement would have allowed for an urgent question, and it would have allowed for the submission of an urgent debate letter. I’ll put the leave. Is there any objection? There is objection. Leave is not granted.