The Social Development Minister is backing away from comments suggesting Serco could also be given contracts for providing social services.
Anne Tolley has just delivered a personal explanation to Parliament, saying that she isn't ruling Serco out, but didn't mean to suggest anything was underway.
"I repeat however I have had no conversations with Serco about the delivery of social services in New Zealand."
The issue caused upset in Parliament, with other parties objecting she abused the system to give too much explanation.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was eventually kicked out of the debating chamber by the Speaker.
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