Ombudsman has harsh words for public servants

By HELEN TUNNAH, deputy political editor

Ombudsman Mel Smith has warned public servants that they should heed the lessons from his scathing report into the Immigration Service.

Mr Smith yesterday found that one Immigration Service official concealed from him a memo that could have been embarrassing for the official, the service or Cabinet ministers if it were made public.

Another staff member consciously chose not to hand it over.

The Ombudsman said his report should act as a warning for people in Government departments.

"I consider the circumstances of this investigation provide a salutary warning to all persons who may be subject to requirements by an Ombudsman, that their functions should be undertaken with the greatest of care."

Mr Smith said the Official Information Act was an important element of a democracy, and provided "a bulwark against the opportunity for corruption".

He stopped short of saying the officials lied to him, but said although they gave evidence to him under oath he did not find it credible.

Neither of the staff members has been sacked, but Opposition MPs yesterday called for heads to roll.

One senior official, communications manager Ian Smith, is facing disciplinary procedures but remains on the Immigration Service payroll. He was on leave yesterday.

He wrote Immigration Service media log, including the "lying in unison" comment on p. 8 [PDF]

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