Discussions with Comalco

Press, 7 December 1976, Page 12

Discussions with Comalco

Parliamentary reporter

Comalco had no wish to reopen the agreement it had with the Government of New Zealand, said Comalco’s corporate manager (Mr Mervyn Bennett) replying to suggestions made on television by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon). “Comalco has legally binding agreements with the Government,” Mr Bennett said. “What is more, these agreements made over the years were ratified by act of Parliament.

“In July of this year, realising that there were certain pressures on the Government, Comalco in good faith and in a spirit of co-operation approached the Government, and indicated that within the principles of the agreement,

it was willing to discuss certain variations.

“Those variations, in its (View, would assist the Government, although they meant no benefit for the company.

“Far from departing from the principles underlying the existing agreements, Comalco suggested a basis on which discussions might take place,” Mr Bennett said. “These approaches by Comalco were followed by substantial demands from officials of the Government which would mean going right outside the agreement.

“Discussions are now being held so that both sides may fully understand matters which, in the . company’s view, are fundamental,” he said.