Hon. Dr Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman

5 July 2006

Just who is looking at Ingram report?

National Party Immigration spokesman Lockwood Smith is eager to find out who is looking at the Ingram report into Taito Philip Field ahead of its public release.

“Has the Prime Minister, any of her officials or any of the party’s officials seen this long awaited report?”

Dr Smith estimated last week the report may have cost as much as quarter of a million dollars and he says it beggars belief that Helen Clark won’t know what’s in it until the day it is released.

“There’s been a hell of a hold-up between the completion of the draft report and the finishing touches being applied to the final.

“These delays are only fuelling speculation of tensions within Labour over the findings and the likely political outcomes in South Auckland.”

Dr Smith says the public will want to know how many pairs of eyes have seen the report and how much advice has been sought over the timing and the release.

“For instance, would it be appropriate for senior Labour Party officials to see the document in advance given the serious nature of the allegations? Have they?

“Is it being deliberately held up until after this weekend’s Labour anniversary celebrations?”

Dr Smith says it is now within Helen Clark’s power to announce a release date.

“She should do that and end the speculation,” says Dr Smith.

ENDS

© Scoop Media