Govt’s Kapuni Inaction Slated

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30940, 22 December 1965, Page 3

Govt’s Kapuni Inaction Slated

G\ew Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 21. I he Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Watt) said today the Labour Party condemned the Government for its handling of negotiations on the use of Kapuni natural gas.

He urged the Minister of Electricity and Mines (Mr Shand) to refer the proposal to the Parliamentary Public Expenditure Committee. “The Labour Party condemns the Government for its handling of the negotiations concerning the use of Kapuni natural gas,” said Mr Watt. “For almost two years the country has had available to it this new form of heat and energy, which would be most useful in assisting to meet the rapidly ‘ncreasing power demand, and yet the Government cannot make up its mind what to do with it.”

“Conflicting reports have been published by interested parties, but apparently no real effort has been made by the Minister to resolve these differences. “As the use to which this fuel is put could affect the economy of the mining industry and the welfare and the future of hundreds of miners, Labour has already suggested that the whole proposal, with evidence from al) interested parties, be placed before a select committee of Parliament However, the Minister has so far refused to accept this suggestion. “1 again repeat it and request the Minister to refer the whole proposal to the Public Expenditure Committee of Parliament to enable all interested parties to give evidence.” said Mr Watt.