27 August 2001 Media Statement

Anderton rejects privileges claim

Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton is dismissing as 'nonsense' Act Party claims of a breach of privilege for distributing pro-kiwi bank leaflets.

"Richard Prebble thinks it should be against the rules to ask New Zealanders to sign up to their own bank. If it were a breach of privilege to be in favour of the bank then it would be a breach of privilege to be against it, too.

"The Act Party is scared that the bank will be successful. Their worst nightmare would be to see New Zealanders signing up to the bank in droves. But New Zealanders will join the bank and I am delighted about it.

"Coming from the party that hold meetings to promote pyramid schemes in its own offices, the Act allegations are laughable."

Jim Anderton said Mr Prebble's claims of a breach of privilege are desperate.

"Mr Prebble did not raise a single ground from Standing Orders for his argument."

ENDS

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