Inquiry result to be public

Press, 12 April 1988, Page 8

Inquiry result to be public

PA Wellington Results of an investigation into the loss of confidential aviation briefing papers will be made public as soon as possible, Government officials say. But in making the pledge, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Merwyn Norrish, who is conducting an inquiry in collaboration with the Secretary for Transport, Mr Derek Homewood, said no comment would be made while the investigation was in progress. The papers were left in a Qantas aircraft on March 13 by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official.

The Australian news magazine, the "Bulletin,” claimed that the Minister

of Transport, Mr Jeffries, had left the papers, but now intends to publish a retraction.

Officials travelled to Australia in mid-March to prepare the ground for aviation talks between Mr Jeffries and his Australian counterpart, Senator Gareth Evans. The loss of the papers might have compromised Mr 1 Jeffries in the discussions. Messrs Norrish and Homewood will .need to decide what disciplinary action, if any, is to be taken against the official involved.

If unhappy with the results of the inquiry, the Government could direct the State Services Commission to investigate.