27 Aug 2009

Review of travel perks for convicted MPs

4:28 pm on 27 August 2009

Parliament is to look at removing the travel perks of MPs convicted of criminal offences.

Speaker of the House Lockwood Smith has ordered a review following the conviction of former MP Taito Phillip Field.

The former government minister and MP for Mangere was found guilty earlier in August of 11 corruption and bribery charges and 15 charges of obstructing justice.

But because he spent 15 years in Parliament, Field and his wife are entitled to a 90% subsidy on international travel and some domestic travel.

Dr Smith says a number of parties will be consulted as part of the review, including Field, current MPs eligible for entitlements and the Association of Former Members.

A final decision is expected in September.