COMMERCE DEPARTMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 260, 2 November 1932, Page 8

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT.

HELPS PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, CURTAILMENT NOT INTENDED. (By Reporter.). WELLINGTON, -this day.

"While I agree that wherever possible it is wise for the Government to leave these things to private enterprise, I saythere are times when a Government Department can give assistance to private enterprise," said the Prime Minister in' the House last night, when criticising the recommendation of the National Expenditure Commission in relation to the curtailment of the activities of the Department of Industries and Commerce, and the suggestion .that its work should be left to private enterprise. • -'■'■'• '■ '■ "Where we have agents in overseas, countries,". Mr. Forbes added,' "they are' able to' supply -valuable"information'.-.to-private, enterprise, that is greatly appreciated. While it may'be possible to do away with a Department of this sort in prosperous, times, the present, when we are anxious to do everything possible to expand our markets,-is not the time to-make such reductions. Instead of reductions, it may be necessary to increase in certain directions. - (Hear, hear.) At times, when we,are looking for fresh markets, a little expenditure by the Government to give a lead would surely be eound business." '

Referring to tourist resorts, Mr. Forbes said it would be, advantageous if arrangements could be made for private enterprise -to take some of them over,, but at present private enterprise was not looking in that direction. Thus' the : Government; had to carry on and maintain i continuity, as •it were, until times improved. Then the State could do everything it-could.to allow, private enterprise .to carry on those activities.