Manapouri decision questioned

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32720, 24 September 1971, Page 10

Manapouri decision questioned

fNZ. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 28.

The chairman of Comalco (Mr D. j. Hib. berd) seemed to be taking it for granted that Lake Manapouri would bo raised notwithstanding the necessity for Parliamentary approval of such a step, said the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Watt) tonight.

Mr Watt was commenting on Mr Hibberd’s statement that Comalco had accepted the Government’s decision to provide tor the building of the Mararoa dam in two wonders if Mr Hibbert has already been advised by the Government that a decision has been taken to raise the lake," Mr Watt said. "It is significant that the Prime Minister says that if the Government decides that the lake should be railed the public will bo given adequate notice and Parliament given an opportunity for a full debate, .

“This was not the recommendation of the Select Committee. The Select Committee recommended that Parliament and Parliament alone, should make the decision. "I am confident that the committee would not have made its decision had it

known that the Government intended to make the decision first and refer the matter to Parliament only for discus-

COST OF DAM

“Another matter that disturbs me,” said Mr Watt, “is that the estimated additional cost of building the strengthened dam will oe $3.5m. Had the committee been advised of thia figure instead ot $l-3 million, again I am confident that the committee would have produced a different recommendation, "it is not correct to say that there will be an increase in the prise of electricity to New Zealand consumers arising from the Government’s decision to implement the committee's recommendations. Any increase in price will stem from the rampant inflation which has taken place during the last few years,” said Mr Watt, "It must be remembered that Comalco is insulated against any internal power cost rise in New Zealand, and at the present rate of increases it is probable that, in 10 years time, electricity coud be 50 per eent dearer to the New Zealand consumer but Comalco will still be paying the same price. Other New Zealand industries would like to have the same privilege. “This special price of electricity to Comalco should more than enable it to compete on the world market with its products from the Bluff smelter," said Mr Watt.