Fraser ignores row

Press, 19 August 1978, Page 8

Fraser ignores row

NZPA Canberra; The Australian Prime Min-i ister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) is! reported to be determined to refuse. to answer tn morel detail allegations of his in-1 volvement in the dismissal! of Administrative Services Minister (Senator Reg Withers). The Opposition is expected to make a move next week for a direct denial from Mr Fraser that he asked the Finance Minister (Mr Eric Robinson) to write a letter changing certain evidence given to the McGregor royal commission. It was the commission’s report that Mr I Withers had behaved with 1 impropriety when Queens- ! land electoral boundaries were charged that lead the ; Prime Minister to sack the I senator. The weekly magazine, the "Bulletin,” published a claim this week that Mr Fraser (has asked his Finance Minister to write a letter saying that certain evidence Mr Robinson had given to the royal commission was not sound because it was based on uncertain memory. The Opposition says that Mr Fraser has not given a direct denial to this allegation. Mr Fraser says that any question of pressure on Mr Robinson had been categorically denied in Parliament.

There was growing speculation in political circles that the Prime Minister could face a challenge for his leadership at a joint parties meeting next Tuesday. Some of his own Ministers have said openly that Mr Fraser might have to resign, but few observers believe this will happen.

It is believed that he has . told close colleagues he will not back down from his present stand of refusing to answer further Opposition questions on anything to do with the Withers affair. Mr Fraser believes it is now up to the “Bulletin” to produce evidence of its allegations.