The Health Minister's plans to spend just over $20 million more on surgery are just a drop in the bucket on what Labour promised New Zealanders, Opposition Associate Health spokesperson Lynda Scott said today.

"New Zealanders need to take notice of this so-called 'ticking off' of another pledge card commitment.

"While any money for more operations has to be a good thing - the Health Minister's announcement is a far cry from Labour's promise before the election.

"It's laughable that Annette King claims Labour has ticked off the pledge card commitment.

"Annette King and Helen Clark went around the country before the election promising people they would wipe hospital waiting lists.

"Labour claimed they would spend $825million more than National on health - and that most of it would go to more surgery.

"They said they'd spend about $200million a year to get on top of waiting lists. And what have we got today? $21 million.

"New Zealanders will certainly be looking for a lot more money in the Budget.

"The Government's finances are in such good shape they should be able to deliver.

"There are no excuses for health not to be a big winner in June's Budget especially when the Government has considerably more money in its coffers than it expected."

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