Smith's wife going to India

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

A spokesman confirmed she would accompany 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 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 to business-class travel only, but can trade that in to cover the cost of two economy class fares to allow a spouse or partner to go with them.

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

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

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

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."

Smith 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, he would hold meetings with senior business people.

Earlier this year, ACT leader Rodney Hide came under attack for using his travel perk to take partner Louise Crome on a holiday to Hawaii and a ministerial trip to the United States and Europe.

ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas and Labour MP Chris Carter have also come under fire for their taxpayer-funded travel costs, including the costs of taking partners or spouses on overseas trips.

- © Fairfax NZ News