Following explosive discussions in Parliament today, Green Party Co-Leader Rod Donald has agreed to debate Government policy on the West Coast with National MP Gerry Brownlee.

"The Labour Party is too scared to front up to Coasters but at least the Greens are prepared to defend the Government's 'extreme green' policies," Mr Brownlee said.

The debate topic is yet to be agreed to by Gerry Brownlee and Rod Donald.

"It is pretty clear that rural communities like the West Coast are under threat from the extreme policies of this Government. I am prepared to do what it takes to give the West Coast every opportunity to let the Government know how its policies affect their community.

"There will be two debates on the West Coast and I will be getting them arranged at the earliest opportunity. West Coasters can be assured that it will be an open meeting and that they will have the chance to question the debaters.

"Today's 3,800 signature petition presented to Parliament by Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley shows the depth of feeling on the Coast for the Government's forestry policy. Coasters deserve to have the Government front up to them and justify shutting the Coast down. The Prime Minister won't front but at least Rod Donald has the courage to do so," Mr Brownlee said.

Mr Brownlee is from a well-known West Coast family and expects to be accompanied by a team of National MPs.

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