MPs 'so drunk they don't remember debates'

The Speaker of New Zealand's parliament says MPs get so drunk they can't remember what they've said in debates.

Jonathan Hunt is set to apologise for his comments after furious MPs complained in the House.

He said he was trying to make the point that MPs' behaviour hasn't got any better, or any worse, in recent years.

Mr Hunt said: "I've seen nights when, sometimes helped by a 5.30 to 7.30 function, people come back and say things the next morning they don't even remember saying and that hasn't changed."

Former National Party Speaker Doug Kidd described Mr Hunt's statement as "monstrous libel and defamation".

He added: "I am sorely troubled that New Zealanders think that the 25 or 30 honourable members in the House tonight are pissed. That's the impression that has been put abroad by the Speaker."

Green MP Nandor Tanczos agreed with the Speaker's comments. Last year, he said MPs were "drunk in charge of a country", but subsequently apologised to those MPs who didn't drink, it is reported.