Taito Phillip Field inquiry 'costs $250,000'

National claimed yesterday the inquiry into allegations about Taito Phillip Field had cost the Government more than $250,000.

Helen Clark asked Auckland QC Noel Ingram to complete the inquiry in nine working days, but it has taken nine months.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Cullen, yesterday refused to say how much the inquiry had cost but National MP Lockwood Smith said in Parliament the Prime Minister "had to seek from Cabinet approval for an additional appropriation of $119,681 to cover the cost of the inquiry for just the first four months". This equated to about $30,000 a month, which meant the cost of the inquiry would be over $250,000.

Speaking on Helen Clark's behalf, Dr Cullen refused to confirm or deny the figure, prompting sniggers from the Opposition for his explanation, as she has made her frustration with the delay evident.

"She does not consider progress reports on costs to be appropriate, as they could be deemed to be placing pressure on the inquiry," Dr Cullen said.

Dr Smith asked: "Who is causing the delay ... Taito Phillip Field and his legal counsel, Noel Ingram, QC, or the Prime Minister?" "Certainly not the Prime Minister," Dr Cullen said.

Mr Field's lawyer Simativa Perese said yesterday neither he nor his client was responsible.

Mr Field is alleged to have breached the Cabinet manual by asking a ministerial colleague to grant a work permit to a Thai overstayer who tiled his house in Samoa.

The inquiry was extended to cover other allegations.