Speaker denies parliament bought guns for guards

The Speaker of PNG's parliament denies guns have been bought for security guards.

The Speaker of PNG's parliament says guns have not been, and will not be, bought for security guards in parliament [File]. (Credit: AFP) 

Papua New Guinea's Parliamentary Speaker denies that Parliament has bought firearms for the security guards.

Theo Zurenuoc says reports that the acting Clerk of Parliament, Simon Ila bought 32 guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition for parliament are not true.

He says Mr Ila has confirmed he got a quote from a gun dealer, but the weapons and ammunition have not been bought.

"As far as I have established this morning, parliament has not actually purchased any firearms yet ... and that is a fact that I can honestly state here," said Mr Zurenuoc.

The quote was reportedly for high powered firearms, including a military style submachine gun with silencer.

The Speaker told Pacific Beat that Mr Ila, who is in the running for the permanent Clerk's position, will be disciplined.

"... I need to establish a few more details before I can tell you what my course of actions would be, but I am very very disgusted that even a quotation has been obtained."

Mr Zurenuoc says parliament does not need guns.

"As head of the parliament, to fix up security systems in parliament, I have never considered the purchased of any firearms whatsoever."

Radio Australia