4. Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Labour—Mana) Link to this
to the Chairperson of the Health Committee
What progress has been made on the committee’s consideration of Vote Health?
Dr PAUL HUTCHISON (Chairperson of the Health Committee) Link to this
The committee heard evidence from the Minister of Health and ministry officials at its meeting on 17 June 2009. Standing Order 328(2) states: “All committees must report to the House on their examinations of the Estimates within two months of the delivery of the Budget.” The committee clerk is currently preparing a draft report.
Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban Link to this
Given that Vote Health is the only vote for the committee, and there is no legislation before the committee, why did the committee resolve not to conduct an inquiry into the quality of health care for older people?
Mr SPEAKERI apologise to the honourable member, but the chair of the committee is not responsible for the resolutions of the committee. They are matters that the committee decides and they are not the prerogative of the chair.
Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban Link to this
When the committee has finished consideration of Vote Health, will it have time to reconsider my proposal for an inquiry into the quality of health care for older people?
Chris TremainI raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Once again, that is a matter for the committee and not a matter specifically for the chair.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
The chairperson of the committee sets the agenda for the business before the committee, and that is what the question goes to the heart of—will there be time for the chairperson to put that on the agenda?
Before I rule on the matter, I will just check with the member asking the supplementary question whether that is an item of business before the committee. [ Interruption] I do not see how the chair of the committee can therefore be asked to answer on the matter. I have allowed the member two supplementary questions. I think I have been perfectly reasonable on the matter. We must now move on.
Hon David Cunliffe Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think we have had examples of several questions that go to the heart of select committee processes rather than the substance of decisions, and members on this side of the Chamber are fully aware that they are not within the Standing Orders to ask. I seek some clarification on your ruling. The question asked by my colleague was, essentially, whether there would be room on the timetable for a potential item of business. It would not be logically possible to ask that question if an item had already been scheduled. It cannot be out of order to ask whether it would be possible to make time; that would go to the question of whether there are too many other items of business, and that was exactly the point my colleague sought to make. I ask you to explain why it was out of order to ask whether there would be time to ask a further matter.
I like the honourable member’s attempt to bring the question within the Standing Orders, but obviously a question to a member must relate to a matter for which the committee has charge, and that is in front of the committee. I suppose that a question could be asked as to whether the committee has any spare time in the future, but a member cannot ask the chair of the committee about the possible consideration of a matter that is not before the committee. I think I have allowed the member two supplementary questions. I really need now to move on. I think that is only fair and reasonable. The House has come to the end of questions for oral answer.
Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I thought you were inviting me to rephrase my question.