QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Tuesday, 28 April 2009

Questions to Ministers

1. Hon Sir ROGER DOUGLAS to the Minister of Finance: Is he aware that successive increases in Government spending over the last thirteen years mean Government expenditure is today $30 billion higher per year having allowed for population growth and inflation, and what does he intend to do about it?

2. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “we are not so arrogant that we don’t listen to the views of the community”; if not, why not?

3. CRAIG FOSS to the Minister of Finance: What would be the financial situation if no changes to current policy were made in the forthcoming budget?

4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister of Finance: How many jobs does he expect the nine-day fortnight will save?

5. RAHUI KATENE to the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues: Has he received advice that the Emissions Trading Scheme will cost Ngāi Tahu up to $120 million; if so, what strategies will he establish to ensure that the scheme is not prejudicial for assets transferred under Treaty Settlements?

6. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Justice: Will his Government continue to support its Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill in light of advice suggesting it may lead to criminals attempting to kill police and victims in order to avoid arrest?

7. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues: What do the latest reports on New Zealand’s compliance with the Kyoto Protocol show, and how do these vary from previous reports?

8. Hon TREVOR MALLARD to the Minister for the Environment: Does he stand by his statements that the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill will reduce costs and delays?

9. COLIN KING to the Minister of Education: What announcements has the Government made to progress its promise to establish at least five Trades Academies?

10. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he stand by his statement nine weeks ago that “gas will be a big part of New Zealand’s energy mix in the future”?

11. JO GOODHEW to the Minister of Housing: What has been the impact to date on employment as a result of the housing component of the Government’s jobs and growth stimulus package?

12. JEANETTE FITZSIMONS to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology: Does he stand by his statement in the Dominion Post last Saturday that the dismissal of internationally renowned scientist Dr Jim Salinger from his position at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research is: “an employment dispute, which must be handled by the chief executive and the board”?

ENDS

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