National queries Cunliffe's embassy role

National MPs last night raised questions about why junior minister David Cunliffe represented the Government at a Japanese Embassy function in Wellington when Foreign Minister Winston Peters was attending the function.

Ministers take turns to attend such events and Mr Cunliffe, No 17 in the Cabinet, said he was rostered on and acted according to protocol.

National's foreign affairs spokesman, Murray McCully, said that when Mr Peters was present he should represent the Government or it would raise issues about New Zealand's level of commitment to the particular relationship.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Helen Clark defended Mr Peters' omission from the invitation list to a dinner for Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan. Trade matters were central to the evening so Trade Minister Phil Goff and Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard were the only New Zealand ministers invited.