Jenny Shipley's support for an inquiry into the INCIS police computer debacle has been welcomed by Labour police spokesperson George Hawkins.

"I have been demanding an inquiry but Government ministers have rejected the idea. Mrs Shipley's support is gratifying.

"Her senior officials are now reportedly trying to gag the PM, but she has already identified the crux of the matter.

"There has to be an inquiry so the public can find out how and why so much money was wasted and to ensure that such ineptitude can be prevented in the future.

"This time Mrs Shipley hasn't 'made it up'. She's just let the truth slip out, and her minders wish she hadn't."

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