SHIPBUILDING COSTS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24052, 14 September 1943, Page 4

SHIPBUILDING COSTS

♦ USE OF TARGET PRICE

SYSTEM NATIONAL PARTY LEADER’S CRITICISM The story of three ships built in New Zealand, which were supposed to cost £17.000 each, and finally cost £43,000, £40,000, and £38,000 respectively, was told by the leader of the National Party (Mr S. G. Holland) when he addressed electors of Christchurch North in St. Matthew’s Church schoolroom last evening. Mr Holland was dealing with the National Party’s plan to make a thorough investigation of war expenditure. “The Minister of Industries and Commerce has told you all about our shipbuilding, and has said that we have broken all records,” said Mr Holland. “We have built some nice little ships, but let me give you two or three examples of shipbuilding.” Mr Holland said that there were no tenders or quotations in shipbuilding. He did not blame the manufacturers —he blamed the inefficiency of the Government in not imposing proper conditions and checks. “You don’t have tenders in shipbuilding,” he added. “You have a target price., A target price is something you aim at and don’t hit.’-’ (Laughter.) Referring to the three ships, Mr Holland said the sum of £2500 had to be spent on alterations in the first ship in the first month. “No public man is discharging his proper, functions unless these things are brought to the surface,” said Mr Holland. “This is your money that has been spent.” ■