Terms Set For Moyle Inquiry (Press, 26 November 1976)

On 26 November 1976, New Zealand's Minister of Justice, Mr Thomson, announced the establishment of a one-man commission of inquiry led by retired Court of Appeal president, Sir Alfred North. This inquiry is aimed at investigating an alleged breach of confidentiality concerning a police file on Labour MP Mr C. J. Moyle. The inquiry will not be public, and its report, including any associated information, may remain confidential. The inquiry is expected to be completed by 20 December 1976. The terms set for the inquiry are largely aligned with those suggested by Prime Minister Mr Muldoon in a prior communication with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Rowling. This controversy arose after Mr Muldoon publicly stated on 3 November that Mr Moyle had been apprehended by the police for homosexual activities and alluded to possessing police files that could substantiate his claims. The inquiry will explore several critical aspects, including the current legal frameworks and practices regarding access to police files by Ministers of the Crown, the investigation of any breaches related to Mr Moyle's file, and whether information was improperly disclosed to Mr Muldoon or other politicians, including Mr McCready and Mr Connelly. It will also examine the alignment between public statements made by these officials and the content of the police file, as well as the sources from which they may have gathered information outside of police channels. Lastly, the inquiry will consider any necessary changes to existing laws or practices regarding police file access by Ministers. Criticism of the inquiry has emerged from the Opposition, with Mr Rowling accusing Mr Muldoon of sidestepping the real issues and turning it into a witch hunt against Mr Moyle. Mr Rowling claimed that Mr Muldoon and senior colleagues had improperly set the inquiry's terms, suggesting it should focus on the Prime Minister's purported misconduct in Parliament. Despite his criticisms, Mr Rowling expressed confidence in Sir Alfred North's ability to conduct the inquiry effectively, albeit within the confines of the terms established by the government. Mr Rowling also indicated a preference against making the inquiry's findings public, expressing concern that individuals not directly involved could be inappropriately implicated in the matter. He, along with Mr Moyle, expressed dissatisfaction over the focus of the inquiry, believing that it might not adequately address the more significant underlying issues regarding Mr Muldoon's conduct. Overall, the inquiry has sparked significant political debate and controversy, particularly surrounding issues of confidentiality and the proper use of police information by government officials.

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