USE OF PLANE BY MR NASH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28983, 26 August 1959, Page 14

USE OF PLANE BY MR NASH

Charging Of Cost Criticised

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 25. The Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft used by the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) flew between 200 and 300 hours a year, the Minister of Defence iMr Connolly) said in the House of Representatives today. He was replying to a question asked by Mr N. L. Shelton (Opposition, Rangitikei) during discussion on the vote in the estimates for the Air Department. Mr Connolly said that the crew was “doing certain training” while’ Mr Nash was using the plane. Mr Shelton said the Prime Minister had to “get around” and he was entitled to use the plane, but he wanted to know what hours the plane flew. He said there should be a credit in the estimates to the Air Department from the Legislative Department for the use of the plane. Mr Nash said he could not do th work he had to unless Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft were available. “I do not know exactly how the planes are charged, but I understand they are charged in exactly the same way as under the previous Government,” he added. Mr W. S. Goosman (Opposition. Piako) said he did not object to the Prime Minister using the aircraft, but the actual cost should be shown instead of being “covered up” in the Air Department vote. “Even if the National Government did do it. I still think it’s wrong,” he added.