New Zealand Parliamentary Debate

Questions for Oral Answer [4421]

determination process to take place to work out what the views of the people of Western Sahara really are on those matters and also on whether they want independence?

Hon PHIL GOFF

: I regret to say that the member would have to address that question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs because it is within his portfolio area, but from general knowledge I can advise the member that New Zealand has steadfastly supported the procedures and the resolutions within the United Nations on a peace process coming to work in the Western Sahara area and people being given the chance to determine their future.

Metiria Turei

: I seek leave to table two documents. The first is a Port of Tauranga vessels in port list, listing the Bulk Sirius, which is in port at present and is clearly from La'youn in Western Sahara.

Document, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.

Metiria Turei

: The second document is a letter dated 29 January 2002 from Hans Corell, legal counsel to the Security Council of the UN, clearly stating that if exploration and exploitation activities are to proceed in disregard of the interests and wishes of the people of Western Sahara, they are in violation of the principles of international law applicable to mineral resource activities in non-selfgoverning territories.

Document, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.

Laboratory Services-Auckland Regional District Health Boards

9.

Hon TONY RYALL( National-Bay of Plenty)

to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received on the decision of the three Auckland regional district health boards to enter into a new contract for community laboratory services and what assurance can he give as to the future quality and continuity of those services in the region?

Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR( Acting Minister of Health)

: I have received reports that an Australian-based company has been chosen to take over from another Australian-based company for the provision of laboratory services and its contract in Auckland. I have also received assurances from the three district health boards that laboratory services will remain of a very high standard.

Hon Tony Ryall

: What specific concerns have been raised with the Minister, and what has he done to investigate these concerns?

Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR

: I am aware there has been concern around the reduction in the number of collection points. However, Auckland currently has a higher ratio of laboratory collection points than any other city in the Western World and the view is that a reduction in number from 85 to 43 will in no way affect the service, or access to the service, in the Auckland area.

Hon Tony Ryall

: When there is an international shortage of pathologists and laboratory technicians, what assurance can he give that there will be no disruption to community laboratory services in the region, and what happens if the new people cannot employ enough specialists?

Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR

: I have had an assurance that quality and standard of service will continue, and that the terms of the contract insist that those companies deliver that service on time when it is needed. Those are the basic components of any commercial contract, which members opposite should understand.

Hon Tony Ryall

: Will the Minister give a categorical assurance that there will be no deterioration or decline in community laboratory services; if not, why not?