Rt Hon Helen Clark
Leader of the Opposition
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON

Dear Helen

I have carefully read the coalition agreement between Labour and the Alliance.

On the face of the document I note there is no agreement by the Alliance to support the coalition on questions of confidence and supply.

Under our Westminister System you can only accept a warrant from the Governor-General to form a Government if you are able to assure the Governor-General that you are able to win a confidence vote in Parliament.

My staff have made a media search and can find no clear statement by Mr Anderton that the Alliance will support the coalition on confidence and supply.

Despite an election undertaking by Dr Cullen that a coalition agreement would include the fiscal parameters - they are not included.

Indeed, apart from a commitment to reduce inequity there is nothing in the agreement apart from a sharing of Ministerial positions.

I now have a doubt whether you do have a mandate to form a Government.

Could you forward to me written evidence of the Alliance support for a coalition Government led by you on confidence and supply.

I am forwarding this letter to the Governor-General who no doubt will also be making a similar request.

Yours sincerely

Hon Richard Prebble CBE
LEADER, ACT NEW ZEALAND
MP, WELLINGTON CENTRAL
cc Governor-General

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