Nats block inquiry

Yet another example of the right-wing government riding roughshod over democracy

National MPs block Solid Energy inquiry

Radio NZ,

21 March, 2013

National Party MPs have blocked a select committee inquiry into state-owned Solid Energy.

The coal company is in talks with its bankers and the Government about a possible bailout as it faces a debt that stood at $390 early this month.

Current and former executives have been brought before the select committee in the past fortnight to explain the company's financial state, but the Labour Party has been pushing for a wider investigation.

Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove said although his party offered terms of reference dating back to 1998 when Labour was in office, National Party MPs on the committee would not agree to an inquiry.

He said more than 400 Solid Energy miners will be left wondering why Parliament isn't doing its job.