Ask a politician: Capital gains tax ruled out

Q: To Helen Clark:

Will you give a guarantee a re-elected Labour government will not introduce a capital gains tax over the next three years?
- Gordon Nolan, Mission Bay.

A: Yes, I can give that guarantee. Labour has no plans for a capital gains tax over the next three years. Labour has also said there will be no rises in rates of income tax, GST or company tax.


Q: To Bill English:

Can you confirm that National will resist any proposal to introduce universal ID cards as is being proposed in Britain?
- Billy Wang.

A: National has no plans to introduce a universal identity card.


Q: To Helen Clark:

In view of the influx of tens of thousands of immigrants in recent years possessing a diversity of religious beliefs, do you think the words "one true religion" should be removed from the prayer recited before each sitting day in Parliament?
- Ron Hawker, Kerikeri.

A: I have discussed this matter with the Speaker of Parliament, Jonathan Hunt. He advises me that the prayer does not refer to "one true religion" but refers to "true religion and justice". The conduct of Parliament is a matter determined by the whole House rather than the Executive. I would be happy to see the standing orders committee review it in their next regular review.

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