Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - The NWT conflict of interest commissioner has dismissed a complaint against former Inuvik MLA Roger Allen, saying a public inquiry into his dubious housing claim is not worth the expense.

Ted Hughes said there was little reason to follow through with the investigation following the former Justice Minister's resignation from the Legislative Assembly last month.

The Board of Management, a government body responsible for MLA expense accounts, filed an official complaint with Hughes in August after it was revealed Allen claimed to live in a shack outside of Inuvik without electricity or road access in order to qualify for a lucrative housing allowance.

Allen was ordered repay nearly $10,000 in public funds. Hughes was asked to examine whether his Inuvik housing claim amounted to a fraud against the government.

Allen was later found to be living full-time in Grimshaw, Alta., where his wife owns a house.

A byelection for Allen's seat is to be held this month.