M.P. to abstain on Clyde dam vote?

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 6

M.P. to abstain on Clyde dam vote?

PA Dunedin The member of Parliament for Dunedin Central. Mr B. P. Mac Donnell (Lab.) will ask his caucus for permission not to vote against the Government’s legislation to continue with the Clvde high dam project. He said that he would not cross the floor on the matter, but that he would abstain from voting. The Labour Party’s caucus is due to meet on June 10. Mr Mac Donnell said that he might take the matter up

with the party's whips before then. “The power from Clyde will be needed for the Aramoana smelter, and I must be consistent with my support for the smelter and regional development.” he said? He was also concerned about the future of the workforce in Central Otago. In any case, the decision to proceed with the dam was' irrevocable because of the money that had already been _ spent on the project. Mr Mac Donnell said: “However. I do not like the

idea ot legislation. The Government is in this bind because of its own ineptitude.” Asked what he would do if he was not given permission . to abstain on the matter, Mr Mac Donnell replied that he did not know. “I do not think that will happen, but if it does, I will think about it at the time." Three Government members of Parliament are also uncertain about how they will vote on the legislation. They have asked for further ’ information from the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon, which has been promised.