John Carter MP National Party Local Government Spokesman

22 August 2006

Clark can put rates probe on agenda tomorrow

"If Helen Clark's new found enthusiasm for a wider inquiry into rates is to be taken at face value, then Labour should vote for Rodney Hide's rates capping bill tomorrow," says National's Local Government spokesman John Carter.

"This is a matter of urgency for home owners and businesses throughout New Zealand. The rates capping bill, while flawed, is the perfect vehicle for a wider look at what's going wrong."

"Helen Clark's musings today were no doubt aimed at taking some of the heat off New Zealand First, which is under fire for opposing Parliament's first live opportunity for a select committee to consider the rates issue.

"But if Labour did the right thing and supported Mr Hide's bill, the inquiry could start almost immediately."

Mr Carter says National would be suspicious about any terms of reference that Ms Clark had a hand in.

"She's got a history of producing narrow terms of reference designed to blur the lines and prevent real accountability. The Noel Ingram report is a case in point."

Mr Carter says National would expect to be consulted on the terms of reference.

ENDS

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