Good debate awaited

Press, 27 May 1983, Page 1

Good debate awaited

PA Wellington The Labour Party was looking forward to Tuesday’s special sitting of Parliament as an occasion of “good political debate,” said the- Opposition leader, Mr Lange, yesterday. He told reporters after yesterday’s caucus meeting that the day-long sitting, to amend proposed rises in motor-vehicle relicensing fees, would be used by the Opposition to move snap debates on a number of issues. The Opposition had “about 14” in mind, he said, including the extension of the wage-price freeze and the industrial problems at Kawerau. The Opposition did not want the sitting limited to a single day, but it was the Government that controlled how long the sitting lasted, Mr Lange said. Mr Lange said that the Labour Party was in a good financial position to fight a snap election if one was called by the Government. The party’s finances were “buoyant,” Mr Lange said. Snap elections were easier on the party pocket than conventional elections, he said. He made no predictions of possible dates or issues for a snap election.