The Acting Prime Minister has rubbished Opposition claims that the Government will be compensating criminals.

National leader Simon Bridges made the comments, after the coalition Government announced it will reimburse state house tenants kicked out after flawed methamphetamine tests.

Winston Peters says that's a cheapskate allegation, after the former administration's political irresponsibility in handling of the matter.

"If there is proof of criminality, of course they won't get compensation, but I'm ashamed that someone who's got a legal background, or supposedly got one, is making that allegation."

When asked if he thought Bridges was fit to lead, Peters laughed and told reporters: "You tell me".

"All I know is someone who can't get one out of four of his party's supporters to think he should be the leader is in serious trouble."