MEDIA RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

5 April 2006

For Immediate Release

No Political Interference in Parker Investigation

There has been no political interference in the investigation being conducted by the Registrar of Companies into certain matters relating to MP David Parker, said Ministry of Economic Development chief executive Geoff Dangerfield.

“The Registrar of Companies is one of a number independent statutory officers within the Ministry of Economic Development. The Registrar has statutory functions under the Companies Act which he exercises independently. He is conducting the investigation following the usual process. I am responsible for the appointment of the Registrar as chief executive of the Ministry, but take no part in the investigation.”

“Mention has been made of telephone contact between myself and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. I can confirm that on Tuesday 21 March, the day Mr Parker resigned all his portfolios, I initiated contact with the chief executive of that department to inform him that the Registrar would be conducting an investigation. I also outlined the timeline and the usual process that such investigations take.”

“I considered it proper to inform DPMC that an investigation was being instigated.”

“Given the investigation is still proceeding, we do not intend to make further comment on this matter.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media