John Carter MP National Defence Spokesman

7 October 2004

National MP instigated Agent Orange inquiry

Contrary to what George Hawkins says, everyone knows it was Judith Collins who instigated the latest Agent Orange inquiry and took it to the parliamentary health select committee, says National's Veteran's Affairs spokesman, John Carter.

He is commenting on claims by Veterans' Affairs Minister Mr Hawkins that it was the Labour-Progressive Government that 'insisted on a proper investigation'.

"This investigation was held by a parliamentary select committee - it had nothing to do with this Government," says Mr Carter.

"Judith Collins brought the map scoffed at by Mr Hawkins to the notice of the select committee and convinced it to conduct the inquiry.

"For Mr Hawkins to claim this as a victory for his Government is an insult to the Vietnam veterans and to the efforts of my colleague.

"If this is his attitude he should resign."

ENDS

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