Pecuniary interests bill shelved

A law that would have compelled all MPs to declare their interests and assets and any money spent on them has effectively been shelved.

But the Government is likely to achieve the same result through Parliament's own rules.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen introduced the Members of Parliament (Pecuniary Interests) Bill in October 2003. It was greeted with howls of protest from New Zealand First and Act, whose leader at the time, Richard Prebble, called it a "nosy parker" bill.

A law to compel MPs to declare their assets, interests and gifts would have opened up the possibility that the courts might be asked to rule on that law.

But if it is made a law of Parliament - standing orders - the responsibility for enforcement lies with the privileges committee.

If an MP fails to make a declaration or makes a false one, it would be up to Parliament to determine the sanction.

At present Cabinet ministers declare their assets and interests under the guidelines in the Cabinet Manual, which is not a statutory document.

It is likely that National and Act would object less to it being turned into a standing order.

But New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is expected to maintain his objection, whether it's a law or a rule of Parliament.

"When the Labour Party tells us who financed their past campaigns which saw them go on to sell state assets in their billions, when they stop using devices to disguise where their funding is coming from and they stop being unfair at the Electoral Commission [broadcasting funding], which sees us getting one-fifth of National's funding when we got half their vote, then I might be interested in their sincerity."

If Parliament adopts new standing orders each MP will have to declare the following:

* The name of every country visited, the purpose of travel and the name of any person who contributed to travel and accommodation.

* The name of every person in debt to the MP for more than $5000.

* The name of each creditor to whom the member owes more than $5000.

* The MP's debts of more than $500 that were discharged by another person.

* Gifts, including hospitality, valued at more than $500.

* Companies on which the MP is a director or controls more than 5 per cent of votes.

* Every other company in which the MP has an interest, and a description of its activities.

* The name of each trust in which the MP has a beneficial interest.

* The name of any trust or organisation in which the MP has an interest and which receives Government funding and a description of its activities.

* Every parcel of property of which the MP is an owner or leaseholder.

* Any payment received for activities in which the MP is involved other than ordinary salaries and allowances.