Norman Russel: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeNorman Russel: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 27 May 2015. Volume:705;Page:4030. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.Dr RUSSEL NORMAN (Co-Leader—Green) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): Firstly let me acknowledge that this will be the last question that the member will ask me as co-leader of the Greens. I look forward to questions from James Shaw next week. The answer is yes.Dr Russel Norman: Does he stand by his statement with regard to climate change that New Zealand is a country that is doing its fair share to tackle climate change given that New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 13 percent since he has been Prime Minister?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes I do stand by that statement. I think the member is being as I said before selective with the truth. If you look at New Zealand’s total emissions now they are about 4 percent lower than they were at the peak of 2005 and New Zealand’s net emissions are at about the same level as they were in 2007.Dr Russel Norman: I seek leave to table Parliamentary Library research showing a 13 percent increase in New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table that particular information. Is there any objection? There is none. It can be tabled.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.Dr Russel Norman: Is the Prime Minister saying that the Government’s own greenhouse gas inventory released just a month ago which shows a 13 percent increase in net greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2013 is incorrect when it shows that net emissions have increased by 13 percent?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: No but I am saying that the memberis I think being selective because of the time frame that has been used. As I said net emissions are about the same as they were in 2007.Dr Russel Norman: How much have net greenhouse gas emissions increased since he has been Prime Minister from 2008?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I do not have that information with me.Dr Russel Norman: Why does he not know how much New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions have increased since he has been Prime Minister given that it is probably one of the most important things that will determine the kind of planet our children inherit?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Because the member put down a general question. If he wants a specific question about climate change he should direct it to that Minister.Dr Russel Norman: Does the Prime Minister not think that climate change is one of the most important issues that a Prime Minister should be aware of given that it will have a phenomenal impact on his children my children and their children if we do not reduce our emissions?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes I think it is an important issue and that is one of the reasons why the Government has an emissions trading scheme and it is why the Government has pursued quite a number of policies. I think if we look at ourselves on a relative basis—I have always said that I do not think we should be a leader but more of a fast follower in this area and I think we are.Dr Russel Norman: Is it being a “fast follower” to increase New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 13 percent in the years since he has been Prime Minister according to the Government’s own greenhouse gas inventory—Hon Dr Nick Smith: No—selective.Dr Russel Norman: And Prime Minister do not listen to Nick Smith. He has—Mr SPEAKER: Order!Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I think the member is being selective with the data. New Zealand’s total emissions are now 4 percent lower than they were in the peak of 2005 and net emissions are at about the same level as they were in 2007.Dr Russel Norman: If the vast majority of those who submit on the Government’s climate change targets to take to the Paris conference call for a target of 40 percent under 1990 levels will he listen to them?Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I will of course listen to them but it does not mean I will agree with them.