SALE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24501, 26 February 1945, Page 6

SALE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

GOVERNMENT COMPETITION ** ALLEGED ' (P A.) WELLINGTON, February 24. "Could an indication be given how far the Public Works Department intends to enter into competition with power boards in' the sale of electrical appliances?" asked Mr W. H. Gillespie, M.P. (Hurunui), a member pf the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government. when a representative of the Public Works Department was giving evidence before the Committee on Local Government at Wellington. Mr G. H. Wakelin, who represented the department, said that it had no desire to enter into competition. In certain areas, however, the department was the sole suoplier of electrical energy, and in those cases it was convenient for consumers to get their electrical appliances from their supply authority. _ . , Mr W. J. Poison, M.P. (Stratford) said that the State had taken power last session to enter into competition. That was only where the State was the sole supplier of electricity, said Mr Wakelin. Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. (Waitomo): The legislation dpes not say that. Mr Poison said that there was a blanket clause empowering the Government to go into business to compete with power boards and even retailers, to enter land and install equipment, and if necessary take a charge on the land in payment. Mr Wakelin; That is putting the worst construction on it.

Mr Poison; I’m putting the facts. In face of them there is no use telling me that there is no intention of entering into competition. Mr Wakelin: I cannot speak for the intentions of the State. That is.a matter for the legislature.