Peters takes intelligence role

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters will sit on the committee overseeing the country's intelligence service, says a spokesman.

Act leader Richard Prebble last week accused the Government of failing to meet its statutory obligation to set up the committee, meaning intelligence advice received before the Bali bombings could not be scrutinised.

But a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Helen Clark blamed Opposition leader Bill English for the delay.

He had to put two people forward for the committee but had "not been able to organise himself" despite being advised of this a month ago.

The committee comprised the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, a senior minister, the leader of the Opposition and his nominee, usually the leader of another opposition party, she said.

The three for the Government had long been decided - Helen Clark, Michael Cullen and Jim Anderton.

Mr Peters said last week he had been contacted about three weeks ago by a staff member from Mr English's office and would decide this week whether to take up the position.

His spokesman confirmed yesterday that Mr Peters would sit on the committee.

Mr Prebble, who was on the committee last term, said previously that Mr English had approached him a month earlier about being on the committee.

He had said he would serve, but thought the position should be offered to Mr Peters because his party had more MPs.

- NZPA