2. Energy and Resources—End of Oil and Gas Exploration and Security of Electricity SupplyHon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime MinisterEnergy and Resources—End of Oil and Gas Exploration and Security of Electricity Supply2. Hon PAULA BENNETT (Deputy Leader—National) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's policies and actions?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister for Crown/Māori Relations) on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Will today's announcement of an end to offshore oil and gas exploration put at risk the 11000 jobs which depend on that industry; if not why?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No; our Government will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in new infrastructure and clean energy projects in regions that currently rely on fossil fuels meaning that as we transition away from these fuels regions that currently rely on them for their economy will see new jobs created.Hon Paula Bennett: Is use of low-emission natural gas for electricity preferable to high-emission coal?SPEAKER: Before the member answers—because I couldn't identify who it was I won't punish the National Party but I'm going to warn the National members that they must be quiet when supplementary questions are being asked.Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Sorry Mr Speaker. Could she repeat the question?SPEAKER: Sure.Hon Paula Bennett: Is use of low-emission natural gas for electricity preferable to high-emission coal?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: In the short term yes.Hon Paula Bennett: Does New Zealand still rely on burning coal for security of electricity supply?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No. And I can assure the member asking the question that we will have security of supply of energy because it doesn't affect current permits and there's room for future exploration within the current permits.Hon Judith Collins: Oh that's a lie.SPEAKER: Order! Ms Collins did you just make an unparliamentary remark?Hon Judith Collins: Oh I did. I withdraw and apologise Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Well that's a very serious warning. That's the sort of comment that is just not acceptable here.Hon Paula Bennett: So in light of the Prime Minister's answer that coal is not used was the coal-fired power station at Huntly turned on this week due to gas having to be shut down on Tuesday of this week?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: The concept of security of supply is not in fact in jeopardy because we have security of supply for a number of years and these permits allow us to explore into the future.Hon Paula Bennett: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I accept that the Prime Minister might not know the answer and that's what the—SPEAKER: Order!Hon Paula Bennett: No. I'm not being rude sir.SPEAKER: No. If the member has a point of order she will raise it. She will not attempt to make political points as she does it or she will not be allowed to continue.Hon Paula Bennett: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I was not making a political point. What I meant was—SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume her seat. She did attempt to make a political point. I have ruled that that is the case. She has argued with me. She is now on a final warning.Hon Paula Bennett: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My question was quite specific and as a consequence of that I accept it can be difficult to give an answer if you don't know and when my primary was quite broad but there was no attempt whatsoever to answer my question.SPEAKER: When I stand up the member resumes her seat. Do you have a further supplementary?Hon Paula Bennett: Well my point of order is—SPEAKER: No no. Does the member have a further supplementary?Hon Paula Bennett: Yes I do. SPEAKER: Well get on with it if you want to continue.Hon Paula Bennett: Was the coal-fired power station at Huntly turned on this week because gas was unable to be produced enough to actually do the 300000 households and businesses that need it?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: My understanding is that Huntly is still being used but there is security of energy supply into the future.Hon Paula Bennett: Will New Zealand need to burn high-emission dirty coal more regularly or begin importing expensive foreign gas because New Zealand's natural gas sector was today issued a death sentence by that Government?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No.