1. Dr DON BRASH (Leader of the Opposition) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Does she stand by the statement in the Speech from the Throne in 1999 that her Government would “restore public confidence in the political integrity of Parliament and the electoral process”?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) Link to this
Yes, by keeping our promises, unlike National, which constantly betrayed the electorate and the party’s promises throughout the 1990s.
Can the Prime Minister tell the House how we can see the decision of the police to investigate the Ingram report allegations against Taito Phillip Field as anything other than a massive vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister’s handling of this entire saga, given that she has spent the last 6 weeks telling the House that no further action was required?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Given that the Prime Minister has consistently said that people with any allegations and evidence should go to the police, that is entirely untrue.
Has the Prime Minister seen the comments made by Andrew Little, national secretary of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, who stated that MPs are in a position of integrity and trust, and that Taito Phillip Field should resign; what is her response to that vote of no confidence in her Government’s handling of the Field saga from someone who heads a Labour-affiliated union?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I would refer Mr Little to comments made on yesterday morning’s radio programme, where it was said: “I think even for Mr Field’s sake it is not fair that he is hounded out of Parliament on the basis of baseless allegations.” That comment was made, of course, by the Leader of the Opposition. Let us await the outcome of the police inquiry, and if charges are laid let us await the outcome of the judicial process.
Hon Dr Nick SmithHon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Unlike those made against Dr Nick Smith, who was found guilty of contempt and was applauded by his colleagues when he came into the House.
What is the Prime Minister’s response to comments made by Hola Taue, the Labour Party Pacific Island vice-president, who also thinks Taito Phillip Field should resign as an MP because: “It’s a big conflict of interest what he has done. He is not available for any of us. He is very stubborn.”; what is her response to that vote of no confidence in the way she has handled this matter?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Prime Minister has consistently said allegations should be taken to the police. The police are now undertaking an inquiry. In a country that believes in the rule of law, that is where matters now rest.
Has she seen today’s Dominion Post editorial, which states: “Every day that an uncleared Mr Field remains a Labour MP is a reminder that the Labour Party has fallen grievously short of the new standards Miss Clark promised to set when she took office.”; what is her response to that vote of no confidence in the way she has handled the Field affair?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
My response would be that the Dominion Post should remind itself about the rule of law.
Did she, any of her Ministers, or any of her staff meet with Police Commissioner Howard Broad when he was in the Beehive this morning; if so, what was the purpose of that meeting?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Prime Minister certainly did not; she was in Napier. I would imagine the police commissioner met with the Minister of Police, as he frequently does—as I met with the tertiary education commissioner today.