Parliament Today 19 November 2013

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers 2.00PM – 3.00PM

  1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Why has he announced that the Government plans to end its asset sales programme given that he claims it has been a success?
  2. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Attorney-General: Has he been advised whether the Prime Minister stands by his statement that “the Government believes there is no cause of action” to help contribute to the compensation for the Pike River families?
  3. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Finance: What progress is the Government making in building a more competitive and productive economy that supports more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders?
  4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
  5. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Immigration: What concerns, if any, does he have regarding the operation of Immigration New Zealand?
  6. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister of Education: What recent announcement has she made on the single largest investment in education infrastructure in Christchurch?
  7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Was he advised prior to signing the Reserve Bank Memorandum of Understanding that LVR restrictions would disproportionally affect first-home buyers and that regional exemptions would not apply?
  8. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he stand by the Prime Minister’s statement that, “the reality is that there’s been 50,000 wells drilled in the Gulf of Mexico since the 1960s and they’ve had a problem with one of them.”?
  9. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Health: How many patients in the year to June 2013, who have been assessed as needing an operation, but are unable to receive it within 5 months, have been told they will not be receiving an operation at this time?
  10. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister for the Environment: What recent announcements has she made to protect wild and scenic New Zealand rivers?
  11. MOANA MACKEY to the Minister for the Environment: Does she stand by all her statements?
  12. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs: What progress has been made in planning for Anzac Day at Gallipoli in 2015?

Today Labour are asking five questions. These are about Pike River compensation, whether the Prime Minister stands by all his statements, LVR restrictions, surgery waiting lists and whether the Minister for the Environment stands by all her statements. The Greens are asking two questions about asset sales, and oil drilling. New Zealand First is asking one question about immigration.

Patsy question of the day goes to Jacqui Dean for Question 10: What recent announcements has she made to protect wild and scenic New Zealand rivers?

Government Bills 3.00PM – 6.00PM and 7.30PM – 10.00PM.

1. Social Housing Reform (Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Amendment) Bill – Committee Stage

2. Game Animal Council Bill – Second Reading

3. Māori Television Service (Te Aratuku Whakaata Irirangi Māori) Amendment Bill – Second Reading

4. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) – Committee Stage

The Social Housing Reform (Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Amendment) Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister of Housing, Dr Nick Smith. This bill provides a framework for the future provision of social housing.

The Game Animal Council Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister for Conservation, Dr Nick Smith. This bill establishes the Game Hunting Council as part of a national wild game management strategy.

The Māori Television Service (Te Aratuku Whakaata Irirangi Māori) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by the Minister for Maori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples. This bill amends the Māori Television Service (Te Aratuku Whakaata Irirangi Māori) Act 2003 following the report of a review panel comprising the Minister of Maori Affairs, the Minister of Finance, and the chairperson of Te Putahi Paoho.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) is being guided through the house by the Minister for Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson. This bill implements policy decisions of the Building Act Review to provide incentives for building professionals and trades people to take responsibility for their work and to stand behind it.