Helen Clark must immediately launch an inquiry into a serious breach of security around the deployment of SAS troops to Afghanistan, says National Leader Bill English.

"The Evening Post today carries a report that 'Government sources' confirmed SAS troops had been transported to Afghanistan in the Hercules.

"This action by Government sources directly contradicts the policy that the Prime Minister outlined in the House, on security for the SAS.

"I asked Helen Clark in Parliament today whether the Government had sent SAS troops to Afghanistan. However, she was unwilling to say that the troops were in the Hercules because she said this would create a security risk, and 'loose lips sink ships'.

Yet yesterday, she was willing to announce the departure of the Hercules, and to announce that this was in line with our commitment to send troops.

"The Government must track down the 'loose lips' who told the media the whereabouts of the SAS troops, when the PM couldn't tell Parliament," Mr English said.

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