MP offered benefit by minister

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope wrote to National MP Mark Blumsky encouraging him to seek assistance through the Government's Working for Families programme.

The letter was part of a mass mail-out from Mr Benson-Pope's office that has sparked accusations he has wasted parliamentary money and time.

National has attacked the Government's multimillion-dollar efforts to publicise the scheme, which it says is a gross misuse of taxpayer money to support Labour's policies.

National finance spokesman John Key yesterday exhibited in Parliament the signed letter from Mr Benson-Pope to Mr Blumsky.

As an MP Mr Blumsky earns more than $100,000 and Mr Key said Mr Blumsky's wife was a partner in a law firm, boosting their income further.