3. Dr ASHRAF CHOUDHARY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Tertiary Education
What reports has he received about the success of the Modern Apprenticeships programme?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister for Tertiary Education) Link to this
The number of Modern Apprentices who either are in training or have completed their apprenticeship has reached over 15,000. Our promise to the country during the last election campaign was to reach 14,000 by December 2008. These latest data show that we reached 15,000 by December 2007.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary Link to this
Why did the Government decide to set up the Modern Apprenticeships programme?
Hon Dr Michael Cullen Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It might be wise to intervene early in the process with Dr Nick Smith, who has uttered a completely unparliamentary statement and we are only on to question No. 3.
Madam SPEAKERWould members please respect each other by allowing both questions and answers to be heard and by keeping comments to within the Standing Orders.
Hon Dr Nick Smith Link to this
I withdraw and apologise. It would help if the Minister told the truth.
I say to Dr Smith that I am sorry, but he knows what the Standing Orders are. The member is to withdraw and apologise, and say nothing else. Otherwise it creates disorder, which it just did.