Wayne Mapp National Housing Spokesperson

19 September 2002

Full inquiry into housing crisis still needed

A select committee weighted in Labour's favour is no place for an inquiry into the leaky building crisis, says National's Housing spokesman, Wayne Mapp.

"This is a cop out by the Internal Affairs Minister trying to hide his culpability. A select committee inquiry is no substitute for a full independent inquiry and National will continue to pressure the Government to hold one.

"This disaster could cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars and homeowners deserve real answers. They're not going to get them from a select committee inquiry which doesn't even talk about liability in its terms of reference.

"George Hawkins has simply sat on his hands. He knew that there were concerns about leaky properties last year, but he shelved them. Now he's been pushed into action and his response is an inquiry controlled by Labour MPs.

"We urge the Government to hold an independent inquiry. It is the only way homeowners will receive any assurance about the integrity and safety of building standards," says Dr Mapp.

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