9. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Has he received any reports on the security of primary health subsidies?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yes, I have. The National Party said in September 2005, just prior to the last election, that in effect, under National, doctors’ fees for 25 to 64-year-olds would double, and prescription charges would rise from $3 to $15. However, I then read in the Bay of Plenty Times earlier this month that National’s health spokesperson, Tony Ryall, is now not sure what National’s policy will be. So we have certainty and security of low doctor fees and low prescription fees under Labour, and uncertainty and insecurity if ever there were to be a National Government.
Given the disturbing answer from the Minister with reference to my primary question in terms of the information contained therein—
Gerry BrownleeI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. That member may well be disturbed, but the word “given” at the start of his question is not appropriate.
Madam SPEAKER
Hon Dr Michael Cullen Link to this
I think it is absolutely inappropriate. You may recall that in question of the day No. 1 Mr English started off his—I think—second supplementary question with a “given”. I think it would be very good to enforce that ruling in every case.
I thank the member. I was aware of the first transgression of using the word “given”. If members could remove the word “given” from their vocabularies when they are asking questions, that would be helpful.
What is the effect on the average New Zealand family of the Labour-led Government’s policy to lower the cost of going to the doctor?
The last phase of the roll-out starts this Sunday. From that point all New Zealanders will have cheaper doctors’ fees and cheaper prescriptions. For an average family the cost of going to a general practitioner has fallen from about $940 a year to about $440 a year. This is what the National Party Opposition is placing at risk with its indecision. National used to be indecisive, but now it is not so sure.