In a large bowl, combine margarine and sugar until smooth.
Stir in molasses and egg yolk.
Mix the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; add to the molasses mixture until smooth.
Cover, and chill for at least one hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm.
Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
Frost or decorate when cool.