Pansy Wong National Energy Spokesperson

11 November 2000

MP lacks faith in his own Govt's Bill

The Government is already in trouble with its recently tabled Electricity Industry Bill, National's Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong said today.

Christchurch Labour MP Tim Barnett has called for urgent research into the setting up of a consumers' buying group in time for next winter.

"Pete Hodgson's Bill claims to encourage the electricity industry to develop its own solutions to ensure that electricity is delivered in an 'efficient, fair, reliable and environmentally sustainable manner' to all consumers.

"But his colleague Tim Barnett doesn't believe for a minute that the bill can satisfy such criteria."

Ms Wong said Mr Barnett's consistent lack of confidence in his Government's response to the electricity inquiry was first expressed with his request to the Christchurch City Council for ratepayers funding of $20,000 towards studying the set up of a community retail trust in September this year.

"The Minister of Energy cannot even persuade his own caucus colleagues to have confidence in his proposed bill. No wonder it is being tabled in a rush of bills before the holiday period," she said.

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