Questions for Oral Answer
As At Thursday, 2 March 2006
Questions to Ministers
1. Hon BILL ENGLISH to the Minister of Education: Does he stand by his statement that, "I am also aware that Mr
Benson-Pope has stated that his behaviour complied with school policy at the time."; if so, does he believe that
statement includes all allegations that have come to light about Hon David Benson-Pope's conduct as a teacher, including
those investigated by police?
2. SHANE JONES to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports, if any, has he received on the business reaction to the
KiwiSaver scheme?
3. JUDITH COLLINS to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How often does he exercise personal judgment in
his role as Minister for Social Development and Employment?
4. NANDOR TANCZOS to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Does he have confidence in his Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade officials?
5. Hon Dr NICK SMITH to the Minister of Energy: Does he agree with the statement by Meridian Energy Chief Executive
Keith Turner that electricity supply is "very tenuous" and "This winter is the tightest we have ever had as a nation",
the statements by electricity industry consultant Bryan Leyland that "the risk of a severe shortage is quite high.", and
the supporting statements by Genesis Energy Chief Executive Murray Jackson; if not, why not?
6. BARBARA STEWART to the Minister of Health: Is he concerned at the findings of the latest Hospital Benchmark Report
which shows that a majority of hospital emergency departments are struggling to meet target times for treating sick or
injured patients; if not, why not?
7. Hon MAURICE WILLIAMSON to the Minister of Transport: Can he guarantee that the increased funding that will be made
available to the National Land Transport Programme will be enough to ensure the completion of the August 2005 Transit
New Zealand 10-year State Highway Forecast as published?
8. H V ROSS ROBERTSON to the Minister of Trade: What feedback has he received from the outcome of New Zealand's
negotiations with Viet Nam over its accession to the World Trade Organisation?
9. KATHERINE RICH to the Minister for Small Business: Does she stand by her reported comment that "Unfortunately one of
the main reasons why many very small businesses, ones with no employees, won't take on staff is because they're
frightened of employment issues and of being subjected to professional grievance claims."?
10. SANDRA GOUDIE to the Minister of Conservation: Will he stand by the decision of the Environment Court made in
October 2005 to approve the Whangamata marina development; if not, why not?
11. Hon MARK GOSCHE to the Minister for ACC: Has she received any recent reports assessing ACC's performance
internationally?
12. RODNEY HIDE to the Prime Minister: Does she still believe Hon David Benson-Pope "to be an honest man who answered
the questions to the best of his recollection"; if so, why?
ENDS