No E-Mails Please Peter

March 15, 2001

Controversy over a health appointment has led to the Prime Minister Helen Clark telling her husband not to send email through her office.

Opposition parties have suggested there could have been undue influence in the appointment of Joel Lexchin to review the Government's drug buying agency, Pharmac.

Helen Clark's husband, Peter Davis, an expert on public health, was asked by the Health Minister to recommend a reviewer.

Professor Davis nominated his friend and colleague, Dr Lexchin, and sent e-mail to Annette King through the Prime Minister's office.

Miss Clark explained that her husband used her address because it was one he knew, and simply wanted the information forwarded on.

She said it was an innocent mistake, and she had talked to him to ensure it would never happen again.