7. Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Does the Prime Minister’s statement that she supported extending daylight saving at the end of the summer represent Government policy?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Acting Prime Minister) Link to this
Not yet, but in my experience a statement of prime ministerial preference is often a good indicator of likely policy.
What assurance can the Prime Minister give that when the Government returns from overseas, the 42,000 people who have signed this petition will have their wish for extended daylight summer hours honoured?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
My understanding is that the Prime Minister returns on Sunday afternoon. I do not expect the process of Government policy development or consultation to be complete within that space of time.
Is the Prime Minister working towards having New Zealanders enjoy longer daylight saving in the coming summer; if so, notwithstanding the fact that she is overseas at the moment, when can a decision be expected?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Obviously, there is a process to be gone through, in terms of both internal consultations and external consultations. There are a range of issues to be considered, but I would certainly hope that any decision could be made in time for the coming summer season. The main barrier, I understand, is the Deputy Prime Minister, who is concerned about the impact of darkness at 6.30 in the morning in late March on his going out on the golf course.
R Doug WoolertonWill the Prime Minister assure the House that the engine room of our economy—namely, the primary production sector—will be properly consulted before any extension to daylight saving is considered by the Government?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Yes, indeed. I think it is fair to say that this time round, compared with some previous rounds, the farming sector—including the dairy sector, which is probably the sector most affected—has shown much less concern than has been the case in the past.