Tabling of Documents — Income Distribution—1998-2008

I gave notice in my Budget speech that I would seek leave, and I do now, to table three graphs from the Ministry of Social Development that demonstrate that the gap between rich and poor in New Zealand narrowed, not widened, under the last Government, contrary to what was stated in the House yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr Key.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy): Leave is sought to table those papers. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action?

💬 Craig Foss: Are they Ministry of Social Development reports that have been tabled in the House in some form, or are they from a select committee?

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy): We have gotten into the habit of finding out precisely the nature and the origin of documents. Have they already been tabled? Are they public documents?

I cannot ascertain that.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy): I will put the leave anyway. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? It appears not.

💬 Jo Goodhew: Yes.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy): It is too late.

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