17 Sep 2008

NZ First accuses MP of misleading Parliament

9:05 am on 17 September 2008

The New Zealand First MP Dail Jones has accused the National Party MP Nick Smith of misleading Parliament.

Mr Jones has laid a complaint with the Speaker of the House about a statement to Parliament Dr Smith made in July.

Dr Smith told Parliament in July that the Registrar of Pecuniary Interests, Dame Margaret Bazely, advised him he was only required to declare the existence of his Freedom of Speech Trust - not who donated to it.

But a letter to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters from Dame Margaret says she does not remember giving that advice.

Dr Smith says the issue is a diversionary tactic by New Zealand First which is in a corner over its own party donations.

He says he raised two issues with the registrar - one about matrimonial property and the other about the trust. He made specific changes to his declaration as a result.

Dr Smith says he stands by what he told Parliament in July.