Parliament Today 5 September 2013

Questions for Oral Answer

Questions to Ministers 2.00PM-3.00PM

  1. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to build a productive and competitive economy in view of the contraction in the tradable sector and negative growth in manufacturing seen in the mid-2000s?
  2. Le'aufa'amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR to the Minister of Police: What reports, if any, has she received from the Police concerning public harassment and intimidation from street prostitutes and their clients in South Auckland?
  3. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree that the Government's review of telecommunications which may benefit by up to $160 million and the $30 million taxpayer funded subsidy to the -owned Tiwai Smelter are examples of corporate welfare; if not, why not?
  4. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources:What reports has he received on the petroleum and minerals sector in New Zealand?
  5. JAN LOGIE to the Minister for Social Development: Does she have any concerns that the changes to welfare implemented by her this year are causing some beneficiaries trauma; if not, why not?
  6. Dr JIAN YANG to the Minister of Health: What progress is the Government making in improving waiting times for elective services?
  7. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by all his statements?
  8. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Revenue: What recent initiative has the Government put in place to improve compliance with and student loan repayment obligations?
  9. Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR to the Minister for Primary Industries: Does he stand by all his statements?
  10.  to the Minister of : What is the Government doing to make it easier to vote in local body elections?
  11. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that “the Government is committed to improving health services for diabetes and heart disease, with a strong focus on prevention”?
  12. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Finance: Has he been advised which banks have put up their interest rates or bank charges since Loan to Value lending limits were announced?

Today Labour are asking four questions. These are about the regulatory relief given to Chorus and the Tiwai Point Smelter one off payment, whether the Minister of Finance stands by all his statements, whether the Minister for Primary Industries stands by all his statements, and finally interest rates. The Greens are asking two questions. These are about Welfare Reform and prevention services in the Health portfolio. New Zealand First are asking one question, about prostitution.

Patsy question of the day goes to Claudette Hauiti for Question 10: What is the Government doing to make it easier to vote in local body elections?

Government Bills 4.00PM-6.00PM.

1. Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Bill – Third Reading

2.Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Amendment Bill – Third Reading

The Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister of Housing, Nick Smith. The purpose of this bill is to enhance housing affordability by facilitating an increase in land and housing supply in places with significant supply or affordability issues.

The Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Amendment Bill is being guided though the house by the Minister for Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson. The bill proposes amendments to the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 to validate a disciplinary levy and an offences fee prescribed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board. The bill also seeks to extend the Board's power to impose levies so that it has funding for all of its functions, including the prosecution of non-registered persons.