Taxpayers fly Lockwood Smith and wife to India

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Speaker Lockwood Smith is taking his wife, Alexandra, with him on a taxpayer-funded trip to India.

A spokesman confirmed Mrs Smith would accompany Dr Smith to the conference for speakers and presiding officers of the Commonwealth in New Delhi next month.

The Office of the Clerk of Parliament would cover their costs under rules set for MPs on the official inter-parliamentary travel programme, the spokesman said. The rules, signed off by former Speaker Margaret Wilson in 2007, provide for first-class tickets for the Speaker and his or her spouse "provided there is a representational role".

Other MPs travelling on inter-parliamentary business are entitled only to business-class travel, but can trade that in to cover the cost of two economy fares to let a spouse or partner go with them.

The spokesman said Dr Smith wanted to travel business-class but seats were not available, so they were travelling first class and he was paying the difference out of his pocket.

Clerk of the House Mary Harris was also travelling to India for the conference and would fly business class. She had booked earlier.

Singapore Airlines quoted return flights from Auckland to Delhi for two adults at the times Dr Smith was flying at $16,858 for first class and $12,558 for business class.

Dr Smith said: "The invitation from the Parliament of India was extended to Alexandra and me."

The conference was a significant opportunity to establish an international network among speakers and presiding officers in the Commonwealth.

"This is about building the reputation of New Zealand's Parliament and strengthening the processes of parliamentary democracy."

He would present a paper on the importance of question time. "The programme is a busy one and I am required to represent New Zealand and Australia on the conference standing committee.

"My wife, Alexandra, will be required to attend the ceremonial opening of the conference and other activities as well as meet with some 50 spouses and partners of speakers and presiding officers across the Commonwealth."

After the conference, which runs from January 4 to 8, Dr Smith will hold meetings with senior business people.

He has won widespread praise for his handling of Parliament, including his move to require more complete answers from ministers during the daily question time.

He has also been instrumental in opening MPs' spending to scrutiny.

Earlier this year, ACT leader Rodney Hide came under attack for using his travel perk to take partner Louise Crome on holiday to Hawaii and on a ministerial trip to the US and Europe. ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas and Labour's Chris Carter have also come under fire for their taxpayer-funded travel costs.