7. Hon PETE HODGSON (Labour—Dunedin North) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
Can he confirm that as Minister of Internal Affairs he has met all the requirements of a Minister of the Crown as set out under “Conduct, public duty, and personal interests” in Part 2 of the Cabinet Manual?
In respect of his recent trip to India, which passport did the Minister travel on: his ministerial passport, or his personal passport?
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH Link to this
I travelled on my diplomatic passport, which, in terms of the rules, is correct. [ Interruption]
Mr SPEAKERWhat possible explanation might there therefore be for the Minister and his mates receiving ministerial facilitation, to which he was not entitled, from Ministerial Services from Auckland Airport, or must the House conclude that because the Department of Internal Affairs is also the responsible department for Ministerial Services, the Minister wrongly used his own influence to pull a few strings?
Hon Gerry Brownlee Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. This provision has been in the Cabinet Manual since 1984. Dr Worth has no responsibility for the Cabinet Manual. I think that it is ridiculous for these members, who were Ministers just a few months ago, to pretend they do not know what is in that manual.
The member is not alleging that the—[ Interruption] I ask members to desist; I am trying to deal with the point or order that the member has raised. I do not believe that the Hon Pete Hodgson is questioning the Minister in respect of the Cabinet Manual; rather, he is questioning the Minister’s compliance with it. I invite the Hon Dr Richard Worth to answer the question.
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH Link to this
The current question is in connection with facilitation. The position there was that I was the only person who received facilitation in New Zealand.
Is the Minister satisfied that he has kept his Prime Minister abreast of all matters surrounding the appropriateness of the Minister’s behaviour since becoming a Minister, or might he wish to make further private disclosures?
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH Link to this
To the best of my belief, I have behaved to the highest standards and in accordance with the Cabinet Manual.