Defence paper delay raises suspicion

A six month delay on a major Defence White Paper has raised the opposition's suspicions.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has confirmed a major report outlining the future strategy and direction for the Defence Force will not be released until at least September.

Labour Party defence spokesman Pete Hodgson says the delay is a surprise and he suspects the order has gone out to make more efficiency gains than were originally planned.

If that is the case he says, it is something that could put more stress on the Defence Force.

- NEWSTALK ZB