Questions for Oral Answer
As At Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Questions to Ministers
1. NANAIA MAHUTA to the Minister of Education: What steps is he taking to lift student achievement through improved
teacher development?
2. GERRY BROWNLEE to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statements that the Government's initial contribution
towards the upgrade of the rail track will be $200 million, and that it will be possible to recover the ongoing
investment costs from that point on; if so, why?
3. GORDON COPELAND to the Minister of Customs: Does he stand by his comments on 5 November 2003 regarding the
Government's proposal to have exporters pay for new national security measures that "... those who benefit from New
Zealand's reputation as a safe and secure trading partner should contribute to the cost of meeting these new
requirements"; if so, why?
4. Hon TONY RYALL to the Minister of Justice: What are the eligibility criteria for receiving legal aid, and what powers
exist for the Legal Services Agency to recover any or all of the financial assistance delivered under this scheme?
5. SUE KEDGLEY to the Minister of Health: What, if any, provision have district health boards been asked to make for pay
increases for nursing staff in the next financial year, and will they receive any extra funding from the Government to
provide nursing staff with pay rises?
6. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: In light of emerging evidence concerning the operation of the New
Zealand Immigration Service, does she still have confidence in the Minister of Immigration?
7. JILL PETTIS to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade: What changes are being proposed to the reciprocal working
holiday schemes between New Zealand and other countries?
8. DEBORAH CODDINGTON to the Prime Minister: Does she have confidence in all her Ministers; if so, why?
9. DIANNE YATES to the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: How is the Government supporting the New
Zealand Film Commission to help New Zealanders make more New Zealand films?
10. Hon Dr NICK SMITH to the Minister for the Environment: Does she stand by her statement that "When I say all bets are
off [on the lower Waitaki] I am not saying I am against Project Aqua or I am for irrigation, or I'm for the status quo
on the river" and what exactly does that statement mean?
11. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Finance: How many transactions since 1999 concerning the sale of property
to overseas buyers had conditions imposed, and how many of these conditions, if any, has the Overseas Investment
Commission failed to ensure were fulfilled?
12. Dr LYNDA SCOTT to the Minister of Health: How do women in rural areas and remote districts access mammography
services to screen for breast cancer?
ENDS