John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

– and there has been a massive increase in funding for the health service, with a particular emphasis on the needs of people with mental and physical disabilities.

When the Progressive Democrats Party was founded in 1985 it was said and repeated on all sides of this House that reducing tax would mean reduced levels of social provision. We were roundly condemned for our stance but the opposite has happened. When taxes were reduced, revenue increased and better services could be provided. The experience of the last five years clearly disproves the assertions made in 1985.