Opposition fights bulk-power bill

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33676, 28 October 1974, Page 19

Opposition fights bulk-power bill

(New Zealand Press Association} WELLINGTON. October 26. A bill to allow the Government to carry out its promise to hold bulk electricity charges at existing rates was introduced into Parliament today. It was opposed by the Opposition.

Introducing the Finance (No. 3) Bill, the Minister of Finance (Mr Tizard) said the Electricity Act provided that bulk tariffs must be calculated to produce revenue in excess of operating and maintenance costs.

The bill authorised the Minister of Electricity, if he was satisfied that it was advisable in the over-all interests of the country, to calculate the bulk tariffs for 1975-76 on a basis which would produce less revenue. Mr Tizard said the bill would allow the Government to stabilise bulk power charges and be more flexible in deciding stabilisation measures. “OBNOXIOUS” BILL The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Muldoon) said the Bill was obnoxious. It was clear that the Government! would break the law if it stuck to its policy, so it was going to change the law. This meant that the Minister of Electricity could take it on himself to set power charges without reference to the law. This bringing of power charges back into the political arena would be hotly opposed by electricity

supply authorities, and would be voted against by the Opposition. The Minister of Electricity (Mr Bailey) said there was no question of the Government’s breaking the law at present, but it might do so if it continujd next year to hold charges without a change in the law. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Taiboys) asked if the fact that the bill would apply for only one year meant that power charges would rise in 1976 —just after the General Election. Mr Tizard said Labour’s policy would be reviewed, and spelled out before the election.