Tractor MP fumes at petty cash 'double standard'

Revelations that a public servant in the Prime Minister's department stole $193 but was not investigated by police have prompted National MP Shane Ardern to allege double standards.

Wellington police will charge Mr Ardern with disorderly conduct - once they track him down. The charge follows his driving a tractor on the steps of Parliament while taking part in a protest about the so-called "flatulence tax".

Police decided to charge Mr Ardern last Thursday but have been unable to serve the summons as they are not allowed to do so in Parliament's precincts, and the MP will not make their job easier by going to them.

His resolve has been further strengthened by the revelation that a Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet employee stole $193 in 2001 and that the matter was dealt with internally rather than being referred to police.

The employee repaid the money and stayed in the job.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Helen Clark said she had no knowledge of the incident until asked in written parliamentary questions. It was dealt with two years ago and claims of a cover-up were "desperate stuff".

- NZPA