National Radio Midday Bulletin

Bottrill Inquiry - Singapore Share - Clear Move - Sharemarkets Up - Money Meeting - Raid Case - GE Moratorium - Shared Custody Bill - Political Polls - Putin In London - Zimbabwe Farmers

BOTTRILL INQUIRY: The Health Ministry admits it had concerns about former Pathologist Michael Bottrill before the cervical screening Gisborne plan even began. In draft notes they said the pathologist was so “laid back he could have fallen over” in his work.

SINGAPORE SHARE: A specialist in aviation strategy has applauded the move to allow Singapore Airlines over 20 per cent stake in Air New Zealand.

CLEAR MOVE: Clear communications is launching its own free internet service pending the district court judgment in favour of internet company i4free against lines providers Telecom NZ.

SHAREMARKETS UP: The local sharemarket has followed Wall Street’s lead and risen strongly today. Advantage Group today is up 60 cents today, but the mood on the NZ market is still cautious. In New York, the mood is now lightening with bargain hunters wading into the market.

MONEY MEETING: One of the most tumultuous gatherings in meeting of the IMF and World Bank has ended today after widespread protests about globalisation outside the conference. Delegates renewed pledges to hasten debt relief for poor countries and step up support for fighting the aids epidemic

RAID CASE: The head of police criminal intelligence told the Christchurch High Court he knew a former lecturer whose home was raided by police was associated with political protest group.

GE MORATORIUM: National’s industry spokesperson says the GE moratorium lacks spokespeople from the scientific community and the commercial sector.

SHARED CUSTODY BILL: The Minister Of Woman’s Affairs says a joint custody bill put before Parliament by ACT’s Muriel Newman will not be put before parliament.

POLITICAL POLLS: The Alliance leader Jim Anderton says he's not concerned by two recent opinion polls which show support for his party dwindling.

PUTIN IN LONDON: The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has given Russia’s President-elect Vladimir Putin a warm welcome during a visit to Downing St.

ZIMBABWE FARMERS: Zimbabwe's commercial farmers say President Mugabe has assured them he will act to restore order, raising hopes of an end to the country's land grab crisis.

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