QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Wednesday, 11 September 2002

Questions to Ministers

1. Hon RICHARD PREBBLE to the Prime Minister: Following news stories reporting that President George W Bush will tomorrow in his address to the United Nations propose that an ultimatum be delivered to Saddam Hussein to re-admit United Nations weapons inspectors or face military action, will New Zealand support this course of action?

2. CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received of confidence in the New Zealand economy, and sustained economic growth and continuing reductions in unemployment?

3. NANDOR TANCZOS to the Minister of Health: In light of the report of the Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, published last Thursday 5 September, that recommended that cannabis be licensed for production and sale, does she agree that it was premature for the Government to rule out cannabis law reform before our own Health Committee had reported on its inquiry?

4. Hon BILL ENGLISH to the Prime Minister: Does she agree with Prime Minister Tony Blair that diplomatic efforts to disarm Saddam Hussein's regime must be backed by the certain knowledge that behind the diplomacy is the possibility that force could be used; if not, why not?

5. GEORGINA BEYER to the Minister of Social Services and Employment: What reports, if any, has he received on the outlook for the labour market?

6. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Immigration: Following the Prime Minister's announcements that the Government had resolved to grant refugees/asylum seekers held on Nauru Island residence in New Zealand, how many of these people has the Government taken in during the last 12 months, and what was the method and standard of assessment followed when reaching each decision to do so?

7. STEVE CHADWICK to the Minister of Health: What progress has been made on reducing stigma and improving outcomes for those with mental health illnesses?

8. Hon ROGER SOWRY to the Minister of Transport: Is he confident that the Transport Accident Investigation Commission is capable of discharging its responsibility as an independent body, given the lack of funding and high staff turnover identified in the commission briefing papers; if so, why?

9. MARC ALEXANDER to the Minister of Justice: Is he concerned about the recent spate of murders perpetrated by youth offenders with a history of involvement in petty crime; if so, what steps, if any, will he take to address this issue?

10. SIMON POWER to the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education): What is his reaction to the statement of Dr Graeme Fogelberg, Vice Chancellor of Otago University, who says that if Otago accepted the offer of a 4.5% increase in funding in return for a fee freeze, services would deteriorate further, and given this statement, does he still stand by his decision to freeze fees?

11. SUE KEDGLEY to the Minister of Health: Has she or her officials undertaken consultation with other political parties in order to establish the extent of support for the Government's proposed Trans-Tasman Agency to regulate therapeutic products; if so, what was the result of this consultation?

12. NANAIA MAHUTA to the Minister of Education: How does the Government intend to ensure all students reach their educational potential?

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