Hon Lockwood Smith National Party Immigration Spokesman

16 May 2006

Clark defies belief over Phillip Field inquiry

National's Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith, says Helen Clark's assertion that she has no knowledge of the preliminary findings of the Taito Phillip Field conflict of interest inquiry defies all belief.

"If the Ingram Report contains serious criticisms, and it must contain some criticisms because Phillip Field has been given the chance to respond to the report, then there are serious potential consequences.

"Not only are there questions around whether or not the former Minister Outside Cabinet could return to a ministerial position, there may even be questions about his continued membership of the Parliament.

"If there's one thing Helen Clark has a reputation for, it is micromanaging difficult political issues. There is no way in the world she can be believed when she claims to be ignorant of the implications of the draft Ingram Report," says Dr Smith.

ENDS

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