National M.P. refuses to disclose assets

Press, 14 February 1986, Page 3

National M.P. refuses to disclose assets

PA Wellington A National member of Parliament said yesterday that he would refuse to declare his assets, adding to opposition in Parliament to Government plans to set up a register of members’ financial interests. Last week the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, sent a paper to all members recommending that Parliament rule that members declare their assets within 28 days after each election.

A register of members’ interests would be updated and deliberate noncompliance would mean that a member could face disciplinary action. Such a register was introduced in the House of Commons 10 years ago. However, the National member for Waikaremoana, Mr Roger McClay, said yesterday that he would refuse to submit details of personal affairs to “Mr Palmer or any of his cohorts in Government.” “What I own is not a matter for Mr Palmer,” he said. “My electorate knows that I will not be voting on matters pecuniary to my interests.”

Mr McClay described Mr Palmer’s proposal as theoretical practice and nose-poking. Earlier yesterday a Government member, Mr Ken Shirley (Tasman), questioned the need for members of Parliament to declare financial interests, saying it could undermine a trust on which they were elected. Mr Shirley said he was quite happy to divulge any interest he might have. “But I do question the principle of singling out members of Parliament because the flow-on is that you must move on to all the other forms of governments, heads of departments. Where do you draw the line?” he asked. “You elect people on the basis of trust.” Asking members to declare interests “almost undermines that trust.” However, Mr Shirley said it might be reasonable to ask Cabinet Ministers to make such a declaration. “They do have ultimate responsibility for Government departments and are privy to major decisions in the running of the country,” he said.