Public discussion on bill promised

Press, 29 September 1979, Page 22

Public discussion on bill promised

I PA Wellington The public would be able I to discuss the proposed National Development Bill before it became law. ; the Acting Prime Minister, (Mr Taiboys) has said. The bill proposes to streamline planning and environmental protection pro-i cedures to reduce expensive delays in planning works of national importance, such as energy development. Mr Taiboys said after the Government caucus meeting that he “hopes and expects” that the bill would be passed - this year. 1

i' He could not say when it ; would come before Parlia--1 ment or how long would be I allowed for public discussion. The Government intended . to refer the bill to a select committee of Parliament. i A group called the Coal■iition for Open Government • ihas been formed in response ■ to concern about the pro- ! posed bill. i It has sent letters and background papers to almost i 1000 local bodies, ad hoc. ; authorities, national organi- ’ sations and community II groups alerting them to some lof its likely provisions.