Dion ‘kept in the dark’

By BOURA GORUKILA
FORMER cabinet minister Leo Dion yesterday told the Commission of Inquiry into the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) loan in 2014 that he was kept in the dark about the K3 billion loan although he was the deputy prime minster.
Dion, the then minister for inter-government relations and provincial affairs, said the first he learnt of the loan was during a Cabinet meeting on March 6, 2014, when the book containing submissions and files were distributed.
“I can remember an instance where in one the NEC meetings, I was present with other ministers, including Treasury Minister Don Polye, when a big book of files, including a submission to the NEC, were distributed to those at the meeting,” he said.
“I learnt about the UBS loan.
“I believe the submissions concerning the UBS loan was prepared outside because I could tell from the body languages of those ministers present that they were caught by surprise.”
Dion said Polye questioned the submissions because of the fundamental issues that had greater implications on the budget and future revenue-raising for the country.
“It was a sensitive issue and it became a heated debate.
“I knew that I could not support the submissions and did not agree with it.
“The books were immediately collected by the secretary.
“I kept nothing.
“I later learnt that day from the daily newspapers that Polye was sacked from Cabinet.”
Dion said he was always concentrating on his ministerial duties.
“I did not have any part in discussions leading to the major submissions or projects such as the UBS loan despite my role as the deputy prime minister,” he added.
Dion will give more evidence on July 15.