14 November 1999

Annette King continues to repeat Labour's lies about its health budget,
Treasurer Bill English said today.

"On last night's televised health debate Ms King told the audience that
Labour would spend another $175 million in its first year on health and that
most of it would go on elective surgery. But Labour's budget has only an
extra $5million in the health line that year.

"What is going on here? Can Ms King not read a budget?

"Ms King has said Labour would spend $175 million extra on health in its
first year, $275 million the next year and $375 million in the third year.
But Dr Cullen has only put aside an extra $5 million, $110 million and $210
million for health over the next three years. Nothing about what Ms King is
saying and what Dr Cullen has budgeted stacks up.

"The discrepancy is so blatant it beggars belief that Labour would dare
repeat it. It is a deception, pure and simple, and it cannot be allowed to
continue. Many New Zealanders are relying on the promises Labour is making
and they are going to find out too late that these promises are as digitally
enhanced as Labour's billboards.

"Labour is already planning to raise $2.4 billion more in tax than National.
If Labour was to fulfil the health promises Annette King is making, it would
have to raise even more tax," said Mr English.

Ends

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