6. GERRY BROWNLEE (Deputy Leader—National) Link to this
to the Prime Minister
Does she still maintain that the Ingram report was “very comprehensive and thorough”; if not, why not?
Can the Prime Minister tell this House, and the New Zealand public, why they should have any confidence in her Government and the findings of the Ingram report, given the evidence that Sunan Siriwan was told by Taito Phillip Field to lie if he was questioned by the New Zealand Police; and is that acceptable behaviour for a Labour member of her Government?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Any allegations can be considered by the police. Mr Siriwan was, of course, interviewed by Mr Ingram.
Does the Prime Minister now accept that Mr Siriwan did not speak to Noel Ingram QC because he was under such extreme pressure from Taito Phillip Field not to speak to Noel Ingram QC?
Does the Prime Minister accept that the Ingram report is full of gaping holes because she refused to give Noel Ingram extra powers of investigation when he asked for them, and because potential witnesses were not assisted with independent legal advice; and was that because the last thing she wanted was for the truth about Taito Phillip Field’s activities to be uncovered by the investigation?
Does she think it is acceptable for Taito Phillip Field, a member of her Government, to attempt to obstruct the police investigation into his activities; if not, what specific actions will she take as a result of the information that has become public today?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Any new allegations and evidence can be referred to the police and considered by them.
Why, despite all of the information that has now come to light, does the Prime Minister continue to express confidence in Taito Phillip Field as a member of Parliament?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Mr Field is on leave and the police are undertaking an investigation. Unlike the members opposite, we are not going to direct the police as to their conclusions.