Question Time for 2 August 2011
Questions to Ministers 1. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that "I think we all have to accept that there is a degree of inequality in New Zealand"; if so, has he read any recent reports on the growing gap between rich and poor in New Zealand? 2. PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister of Finance: How is the New Zealand economy placed to deal with global uncertainty created by debt problems in the United States and Europe? 3. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Given the Prime Minister's statement "We will bring a special focus to improving the results of public services for vulnerable children", is she satisfied with the most recent statistics on child health and well-being in New Zealand? 4. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Women's Affairs: Does she consider she is doing enough to close the gender pay gap given the Herald Digi-poll today that showed 65 percent of women believed they were paid less because of their gender? 5. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that "theoretically, the right thing to do would be to have a comprehensive capital gains tax"? 6. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Building and Construction: What reports has he received on the interest in the Government's Financial Assistance Package from owners of leaky homes? 7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree with economist Gareth Morgan that the lack of a capital gains tax is "the biggest tax rort in the country and one that has cost us all dearly in terms of efficient allocation of capital, economic growth and employment"? 8. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Associate Minister of Health: What measures has the Government taken to control new psychoactive substances? 9. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for the Environment: Does he agree with the Cawthron Institute that despite his Government's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, "the condition of New Zealand's lakes, rivers and wetlands is likely to continue to decline for several more years and possibly much longer"' if not, why not? 10. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the Government doing to ensure New Zealand better cares for and protects our most vulnerable children? 11. CAROL BEAUMONT to the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment: Is she concerned about the warning of Heather Henare that waiting lists for places in Women's Refuges may have to be contemplated as a result of cuts in Government funding? 12. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received regarding improved services for cancer patients in Hamilton?
