§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that the Vassall case strengthens the case for the appointment of a Parliamentary Commissioner on the lines of the Ombudsman, and for further consideration of the Whyatt Report; what inquiries Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have made of Her Majesty's Government in New Zealand about the success, or otherwise, of the Parliamentary Commissioner there; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI think it is clear that the complex and far-reaching issues raised by the Vassall case were 143W not suitable for investigation by a Parliamentary Commissioner. The Government have already given careful consideration to the Whyatt Report and their conclusions were announced in the statement which I made on 8th November last year. The Parliamentary Commissioner in New Zealand was appointed only on the 1st October last year. It is too soon to form any considered opinion of the value of his office.