STABILITY OF INDUSTRY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27279, 20 February 1954, Page 8

STABILITY OF INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT POLICY DEFENDED “ DISMAL STATEMENT BY MR TOMKINS” (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 19. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr J. T. Watts), replying to criticism of tariff decisions expressed by the president of the New, Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation (Mr T. G. Tomkins), described Mr Tomkins’s statement as rather dismal. It was made, he said, in the face of great industrial expansion and a sustained demand, fox- both industrial labour and the products of industry. “The Government will continue its policy, which is clear, and which has been of such benefit to all sections of the community,” the Minister said. He knew of no industry which had suffered as a result of tariff inquiry decisions of the Government, he said. ”1 would be interested to see the manufacturers publish a single illustration of a ‘worthwhile manufacturing industry’ where the protection afforded has proved ineffective, and not in accordance with the 1949 assurances of the Prime Minister (Mr Holland),” Mr Watts said. The number of persons employed in manufacturing industry had increased by 9000 since the present Government took office, he said. ‘‘lnstead of some manufacturers being confused by the present position, I think the public will be confused at the rather dismal statement by Mr Tomkins,” concluded Mr Watts.