Call for inquiry on oil search

Press, 15 March 1978, Page 2

Call for inquiry on oil search

Parliamentary reporter An independent public inquiry into the Governments’ oil exploration programme is sought by the Opposition spokesman on energy (Mr F. M. Colman). “A television programme on Monday evening confirmed the worst suspicion of many people that money is being recklessly wasted on an ill-conceived and ill-researched programme,” Mr Colman said. Holes were being drilled without proper geological and geophysical advice, and, apparently, without the approval of suitably qualified Government advisers, he said.

“A very disturbing situation has arisen where a highly qualified public servant has been virtually gagged. That man has' now givpn up, and will leave New Zealand for Iran. “At the very least, the

public have the right to know' just who is making the decisions on where these wells will be drilled, what qualifications they have, and what final check there is on their recommendations,” Mr Colman said. Millions of dollars were involved in the scheme: money that would go a long way towards development of alternative energy forms. “All evidence indicates that this money is being thrown away, and that the Minister (Mr Gair) has little control over conflicting interests in his portfolio,” said Mr Colman.' Mr Gair had a clear duty to make a full statement explaining the contentious points raised in the television programme, and by other news media. “Failing that, I can assure him that the Opposition will continue to press for a public inquiry,” Mr Colman said.