Tobacco tax could pay for stomach ops: Turia

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says higher tobacco taxes should be imposed and used to pay for stomach stapling operations.

Mrs Turia is recovering from such an operation as part of her efforts to battle diabetes.

She told the Sunday Star Times newspaper that she raised the idea with Prime Minister John Key. Mrs Turia said diabetes was a high cost on the health system.

A spokeswoman for Mr Key said the Government funded some stomach stapling operations, which cost about $30,000, and did not rule out funding a greater number in future.

The Government has already made it clear it is not keen on taxing junk foods.