[Sitting date: 03 December 2014. Volume:702;Page:7. Text is subject to correction.]

7. Dr MEGAN WOODS (Labour—Wigram) to the Prime Minister : Did Jason Ede provide “Mr Slater with draft blog posts” regarding NZSIS information?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): I am aware that Jason Ede spoke to Cameron Slater, just as he did with journalists and other bloggers. I have no knowledge other than what was written in the report of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, which was that he provided draft blog posts regarding NZSIS information.

Dr Megan Woods : Does he then accept that his office has a proactive relationship with Cameron Slater?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY : No, and I would point out that Mr Ede has not actually worked for me in my capacity as Prime Minister for over 3 years.

Dr Megan Woods : Has he discussed with either his current chief of staff or his former deputy chief of staff, Mr de Joux, that Mr de Joux was not happy that Mr Ede has chosen to work through Mr Slater rather than the mainstream media, as per paragraph 214 of the Gwyn report?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY : In answer to the last part of the question, I have not had any discussions with Phil de Joux about that matter.

Dr Megan Woods : Has he or his chiefs of staff asked Jason Ede for copies of the blog post that Cheryl Gwyn states Jason Ede drafted for Cameron Slater; if not, why not?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY : In answer to the first part of the question, no, I do not believe they have.

Dr Megan Woods : Why has he not asked for the draft of the blog posts?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY : Well, I do not think it would achieve a hell of a lot, any more than if Mr Little was to go and ask how many people write anonymously or under pseudonyms on The Standard, and all of those things. He might find some really amazing answers but that, again, would be the pot calling the kettle black, would it not?

ENDS

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