Stonehouse could enter N.Z.

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33779, 27 February 1975, Page 18

Stonehouse could enter N.Z.

CVair Ztaland Press Association!

WELLINGTON, February 26. The British M.P., Mr John Stonehouse, would be eligible to enter New Zealand for up to six months if he held a valid British passport, said the Minister of Immigration (Mr Coleman) this evening.

Mr Coleman said that unless the M.P. was of proven bad character — such as having a criminal record — he would be free to enter i this country provided he held a valid passport.

The Minister emphasised that Mr Stonehouse would not be permitted to enter New Zealand without a passport. "Any airline which flew the I M.P. to New Zealand know-| ing that as a non-passport holder he would not bej allowed entry, would be

breaching regulations,” he said.

Although Australians are; given free, unlimited entry into New Zealand, Mr Stone-! house is not a permanent Australian resident. British passport-holders may enter New Zealand for up to six months.

“We’ve only read rumours .and speculation,” Mr Coleman said. “Until something is proven against hint, or he is the subject of extradition, i then I could not see any ground for refusing him,” he said.