P.S.A. angry over delays

Press, 9 May 1984, Page 6

P.S.A. angry over delays

PA Wellington The Public Service Association has strongly criticised the delay in action over its call for the prosecution of the Otago member of Parliament, Mr Cooper. The P.S.A. says that Mr Cooper should be prosecuted for an offence under the State Services Act, concerning the Ministry of Works and Development in Central Otago irrigation schemes, and alleged actions by Mr Cooper in the transfer of Ministry of Works officers. The State Services Commission and the SolicitorGeneral have been urged to instigate the prosecution. The P.S.A. said yesterday that “absolutely no response” had come from the commission to its complaint, in spite of reminders in the eight weeks since the

complaint was first laid. “On May 16, Mr Cooper becomes immune from prosecution because Parliament will be in session 15 days later,” the P.S.A. said. “Both the commission and the Solicitor-General know of Mr Cooper’s imminent immunity. “Whether or not the commission is intentionally seeking to avoid a prosecution, that is what seems to be the case, and is now in danger of happening.” The P.S.A. said that it sent a telegram to the Solicitor-General asking for an explanation “for the inordinate delay on this matter.” “We have also sent a telegram to the Chief Ombudsman seeking his intervention to persuade the commission to act,” it said.