David Benson-Pope yesterday denied a suggestion that he told Environment Ministry chief executive Hugh Logan or other ministry staff that he did want former communications manager Madeleine Setchell in his office.
Mr Benson-Pope, the Minister for the Environment, was responding in Parliament to questions from National MP GerryBrownlee about what views he had expressed to his political adviser, Steve Hurring, and Mr Logan, about Ms Setchell.
A call from Mr Hurring to Mr Logan on May 28 began the train of events which ended in the termination of her job at the ministry because her partner is the chief press secretary to National Party leader John Key.
Mr Benson-Pope has said Mr Hurring acted independently without his knowledge in making the call and that the first he knew of it was when Mr Logan had confirmed that in his view the plausibility of a conflict of interest existed - May 29.
Mr Benson-Pope avoided answering when asked if he gave his view on Ms Setchell's appointment to Mr Logan at any time during meetings with him after that date. He simply reiterated what had been in the State Services report on the matter - that he had not taken part in the decision to remove her.
He was then asked by Mr Brownlee about a specific statement.
"Did the minister at any time in any of those discussions with Mr Logan say to either him or his staff: 'I do not want that woman in my office."'
Mr Benson-Pope: "No."
Mr Brownlee's question appears to be based on rumours that such a statement was made. The Herald asked Mr Logan yesterday if he would verify the minister's statement in the House that no such comment had been made.
His written response last night was: "I understand the question was answered in the House today by the minister."
Meanwhile, the Public Service Association national secretary Brenda Pilott has sought a meeting with Acting State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie about plans by the ministry to set up a register.
She will also discuss a report released last month by Auditor-General Kevin Brady on conflicts of interest in public entities.
Prime Minister Helen Clark refused to express support in Parliament for a conflict of interest register.
