Hon Lockwood Smith National Party Immigration Spokesman
16 May 2006
Clark defies belief over Phillip Field inquiry
National's Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith, says Helen Clark's assertion that she has no knowledge of the
preliminary findings of the Taito Phillip Field conflict of interest inquiry defies all belief.
"If the Ingram Report contains serious criticisms, and it must contain some criticisms because Phillip Field has been
given the chance to respond to the report, then there are serious potential consequences.
"Not only are there questions around whether or not the former Minister Outside Cabinet could return to a ministerial
position, there may even be questions about his continued membership of the Parliament.
"If there's one thing Helen Clark has a reputation for, it is micromanaging difficult political issues. There is no way
in the world she can be believed when she claims to be ignorant of the implications of the draft Ingram Report," says Dr
Smith.
ENDS