National is now into
full weasel word territory in its latest comments on health
and education spending says Finance Minister Michael
Cullen.
“On radio this morning, Dr Brash chose his words
carefully when he said National would spend more on
healthcare and more on education than we’re doing
now.
“That really is weasel word territory and anyone
waiting for a hip operation, a cataract operation or cheaper
doctors’ visits should be careful to read the fine print.
“Budget 2005 allocates increases over the next four years
of around $1 billion a year above current spending levels.
Those increases are necessary to keep pace with demographic
and inflationary pressures and with rising demand for health
care.
“So it is possible to increase spending compared
with the current level while in fact viciously cutting the
spending Labour is already committed to. And that could
only be done at the expense of real services.
“The
question Dr Brash has got to answer is what will be cut out
of planned spending,” Dr Cullen said.
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