Hon Dr NICK SMITH (National—Nelson) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Question No. 7 was set down for the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues. I note that the quote that is specifically used in the question, “We have not grown our coal-fired power”, is clearly recorded in Hansard as being from the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues. So I am surprised that the question has been redirected. The question specifically refers to the issue of the Government’s policy of carbon neutrality. I wish to be reassured that in my supplementary questions I will not be constrained as a consequence of the Government’s decision to divert the question.
Madam SPEAKERI understand the member’s point. As the member well knows, it is within the discretion of the Government to decide to whom the question is assigned.
Hon Chris CarterHon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
That Minister well knows that Ministers will often duck questions simply because questions have not been set down for the right Minister.