Greens declined leave to move motion calling for Field apology

Taito Phillip Field

The Green Party was declined leave to move a motion in the House this afternoon expressing concern at the findings of the Ingram report, and calling on Taito Phillip Field to apologise.

The nine-month investigation into Mr Field's business dealings with people seeking immigration permits cleared him of a conflict of interest as a minister but raised questions about his judgment as an MP.

National has been calling for a select committee inquiry into Mr Field's actions, which were detailed the report.

But Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said her party had decided a select committee was "very limited in what it can do".

"It cannot force witnesses to appear and cannot require an MP to resign or apologise," she said.

"It is hard to see what it could add to the conclusions of the Ingram Report, incomplete as they are."

But Ms Fitzsimons said her party thought MPs should be able to "reiterate the principle that Members must not receive, or appear to receive, personal gain from the exercise of their role as an MP".

"We also believe it is important to challenge Taito Phillip Field to take some responsibility for damaging the credibility of Parliament in the eyes of the public," she added.

- NZHERALD STAFF