Telecom leak: Too many unanswered questions, say Nats

The National Party says the State Services Commission's report on the leaking of a Cabinet document to Telecom raises more questions than it answers.

"How did this messenger know what he was handling? Wasn't the document in an envelope or does Labour routinely share this sort of material with the messengers?" asked state services spokesman Gerry Brownlee. "There appears to have been a complete breakdown of the process. A review after the fact is simply not good enough."

Mr Brownlee said questions which needed answers included who tipped off the messenger about the contents of the document, how long he had been in a position to have access to secret papers, and how many other leaks might have occurred.

"This has landed right back in Helen Clark's lap and it highlights what can only be described as a cavalier approach to the handling of confidential Budget documents."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said National MPs should read the report.

- NZPA