Media Statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 26 February, 2004

Baldock wins moth-spraying health assurance

United Future's Larry Baldock yesterday received an assurance in Parliament that even after the West Auckland apple moth-spraying programme is over, health assistance would be available to those with delayed health problems.

"After all the battles residents have had trying to get their concerns heard by the MAF health officials there is a very low level of trust in the community, so I hope that this brings some reassurance," Mr Baldock, United Future's environment spokesman, said.

"Over the duration of this programme, I have met people suffering considerable health problems and they have had reasonable concerns and made reasonable requests for assistance," he said.

"New Zealand has asked people in spray zones to make a very considerable sacrifice for the good of the country and our economy. They should not be left wondering about what support they will get in future if they have on-going problems related to the spraying."

"I, along with many West Auckland residents, keenly await the results of the Wellington School of Medicine health study which United Future pushed for and got last year, on the impact of the spray on West Aucklanders," Mr Baldock said.

Ends.

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