Second smelter

Press, 2 May 1981, Page 14

Second smelter

Sir,—The article, “Fast track for smelter,” concluded with the statement, “The Act restricts discussion at the Planning Tribunal hearing to site specifics.” Mr Birch confirmed that evidence relating to electricity pricing, on which the viability of the project depends, will not be heard by the Planning Tribunal. By contrast Mr Taiboys said (Hansard, October 5, 1979), “Every interested person is given the opportunity under the bill to appear before the Tribunal, where point after point is considered." During the second reading debate (Hansard, December 5, 1979), Mr Birch said: “The Tribunal’s inquiry can be a wide-ranging and thorough examination of those aspects likely to be in the public interest. In carrying out its task, the tribunal will act in a manner very similar to that of a commission, of inquiry . . . Each project, therefore, will be subject to the fullest possible

examination by an independent tribunal.” The consequential acceleration of the power programme means that electricity pricing is most assuredly a matter of public interest. — Yours, etc., NOEL GOURDIE. April 30, 1981.