9. Question No. 9—PoliceCHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 9—Police9. CHRIS BISHOP (National—Hutt South) to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by all statements policies and actions of the Police in relation to the theft of 11 guns from the Palmerston North police station?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police): As I said yesterday to a very similar question yes I expect the commissioner to ensure the law is followed. The role of the Minister and the role of police are very clearly defined in section 16 of the Policing Act. Enforcement investigation and prosecution are quite properly the responsibility of the commissioner and this includes information-gathering methods. In regard to the Palmerston North burglary that is clearly within the domain of the commissioner. As I also said yesterday there is an active criminal investigation and the matter is before the courts. Speaker's ruling 177/1 and 177/2 reinforce that it is not in the public interest for me to comment while that investigation is under way and risk compromising what is before the court.Chris Bishop: Is it correct that the person who stole the firearms from Palmerston North police station moved a skip bin next to the side gate at the rear of the station jumped the fence walked in an open garage door and stole the firearms from a poorly secured exhibit room then exited the station and loaded the firearms into his car?Hon STUART NASH: I'm not too sure if the member heard my answer to the primary. I have a very clear expectation that the Commissioner of Police will follow the law and will ensure that the operational integrity of his force is maintained. This is not my responsibility.Chris Bishop: Why were the 11 firearms stolen from Palmerston North police station contained in an exhibit room rather than the secure firearms safe in the firearms room upstairs next to the front counter?Hon STUART NASH: If I was to comment on every single live investigation we would open a Pandora's Box. Does that member wish me to know the details of for example social media investigations against MPs etc.? I do not know—nor is it acceptable nor is it right or proper for me to know—the details of every single police investigation.Chris Bishop: Has he asked police if they paid for the return of some or all of the eight firearms recovered from those stolen from Palmerston North police station; if not why not?Hon STUART NASH: Actually in preparation for this question I sought advice from police on this case. They came back with the following: It is not in the public interest to disclose the specifics of some information-gathering methods as that could put public safety at risk." Now in any investigation whether or not payment has been made I would not discuss details in the House—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Buy-back plus!Hon STUART NASH: —as it would be reckless and irresponsible Mr Brownlee and could put lives at risk. I do not know nor should I know this type of detail. As I said yesterday to this question it is up to the Commissioner of Police.Hon Grant Robertson: Has the Minister received any advice on how many times Ministers of Police in previous Governments have used the phrase "That is an operational matter and I can't answer" during his time in Parliament?Hon STUART NASH: If I was to list every single date that previous Ministers of Police in the last Government used that I would be pulled up by the Speaker for an out of order answer that was too long.Chris Bishop: Why did he say yesterday "You know what? I have no idea and I don't really want to know."—regarding police payment for firearms stolen from them—and why does he think that is an acceptable attitude from the Minister of Police given the significant public interest in this matter?Hon STUART NASH: In any investigation whether or not payment has been made I would not discuss details in the House or with the media as it would be reckless and irresponsible—Hon Dr Nick Smith: Rubbish! It's called accountability for public money.Hon STUART NASH: —and it could put lives at risk Dr Smith. I do not know nor should I know this type of detail and as I said yesterday this is a question for the Commissioner of Police.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Is it the position that he's taken that the separation of powers—that is in this case between the police and their Minister—is essential for a democratic Government but not a fascist Government?Hon STUART NASH: That is a very good point. Not only is it essential but it is actually outlined in section 16 of the Policing Act."