Drug allegations rejected

Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton has welcomed a report from Parliament's Speaker clearing his staff member of allegations of drug use in Parliament's debating chamber.

A report on the incident during the press gallery Christmas party was presented to Mr Anderton yesterday.

It found no evidence that the staff member used marijuana.

Jim Anderton said he had spoken to the staff member concerned about the episode.

"I have made clear my extreme displeasure that the staff member entered the debating chamber during the press gallery Christmas party. The Speaker has also expressed his extreme displeasure. I'm sure there'll be no repetition.

"The matter has been thoroughly investigated. The very serious allegation that drug use was involved has not been upheld and the issue of his conduct at the press gallery Christmas party has been dealt with," Jim Anderton said.

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