MR NASH’S PLANS FOR CABINET

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28450, 3 December 1957, Page 16

MR NASH’S PLANS FOR CABINET

Caucus Summoned For Thursday (New Zealand Press Association) ' ~ ~ WELLINGTON, December 2. Nash said today that the Parliamentary Labour Party would meet on Thursday afternoon, and it was likely that it would deal with the selection of a Cabinet. He did not, however, expect to make an announcement this week. A further caucus might be necessary. Cabinet members are selected by a majority vote of the caucus, and Mr Nash, as Prime Minister, allocates the portfolios. Each member of the Cabinet, Mr Nash said, must have a majority approval from the caucus. Mr. Nash said he did not think that the Labour Party would lose anything from its present majority when all the results had been counted, but he was unwilling to predict whether Labour would gain more seats. “We should know something more definite soon,” he said.

Mr Nash said he w ould probably be called to form a Government next week. Much would be involved, including the appointment of a Speaker, a Chairman of Committees, and party whips. He hoped to call the special session of Parliament, to give effect to the £lOO rebate on income tax, either late in January or early in February. “I cannot say how long this session will last. I hope it will not have to extend beyond a month,” he said. Mr Nash declined to say whether any particular Labour projects would be. .given priority. The party, he said, Was pledged to carry out all aspects of its programme within the next threeyears.

Discussions might take place with the power authorities on the recent agreement between them and the previous Government to finance capital works out of revenue. With the agreement of the power authorities, he said, an amendment might be worked out if it was practicable. Labour still considered that the extra charge consumers would have to pay to finance capital power development was unjust.

Mr Nash said that works projects that were under way would be carried on. This, however, did not commit Lr.bour to such longterm projects as the previous Government’s 12-year plan for power development. This plan, which includes the Cook Strait cable, would have to be looked into, as would the possibility of setting up nuclear power stations. Mr Nash said he could see a great potential in this field.

Other subjects dealt with by Mr Nash included: Trade.— Labour would do its utmost to find new markets in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. He emphasised, however, that his Government would do its utmost to maintain preference for British goods. He favoured bulk-selling agreements for New Zealand produce. Whether this could be implemented would depend on whether countries trading with New Zealand were prepared to accept bulk purchasing. It was possible that such an agreement could be made with Britain, but he doubted whether it could be arranged at present.

Defence.— Labour would look into the present defence policy and would do all that was necessary to carry out the defence of New Zealand and the democratic interests of the South Pacific. At the same time Labour would work for the reduction of armaments and international agreement in nuclear tests.

Cook Strait Ferry.— Mr Nash said he thought that the eventual solution would probably be a sea ferry to Picton and air transport

to Nelson. A committee, however, was still investigating this. Labour favoured the continuation of the South Island Main Trunk to Nelson. It had a good port, and this would give jt access; to the coal and mineral resources of the West Coast. Under - Secretaries. Labour would appoint Parliamentary under-secretaries as it had in its previous administration only if there was a real need for them. Overseas Appointments. Mr Nash said his Government would not in any way interfere with Sir Leslie Munro’s appointment as President of the United Nations General Assembly. That was a United Nations appointment, and he had no intention of^Jnterf ering with it. New appointments, however, would be due soon in such overseas posts as Canada and Britain. Mr Nash said that the new Minister of Defence would get to work as soon as possible on the abolition of compulsory military training. The aim behind this was improvement in defence arrangements.

Mr Nash said he would probably have to move into a larger residence in Wellington on becoming prime Minister. As Prime Minister he would have to entertain, and there would not be sufficient room in his present home at Lower Hutt. The change of government, he said, would not interfere in any way with the proposed visit to New Zealand early next year of the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan). He could be assured of the same welcome. Mr Nash said that besides the special session to implement the £lOO rebate, there would be a second session of Parliament later this year to deal with, among other things, the Budget and legislation. Labour had no legislation prepared at present. Asked about P.A.Y.E., he said it was unlikely that the mechanical aspects of Labour’s scheme, such as the taxation tables, would differ greatly from the National Government’s scheme.

Mr Nash and the DeputyLeader of the Opposition (Mr C. F. Skinner) will leave for the South Island tomorrow morning to attend the funeral of Mr B. R. S. Waters, the Labour candidate for Clutha, who died from injuries suffered in a motor accident before the election.

NATIONAL PARTY CAUCUS Members To Meet On Thursday (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 2. The reasons for the Government’s defeat at the polls will be thrashed out at a National Party caucus on Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said this evening that new members as well as defeated members would attend the caucus. Mr Holyoake said he still could not tell when the transfer of power to the new Labour Administration would take place. The Cabinet had met today and would meet again tomorrow afternoon, possibly for the last time. “There was considerable discussion about the election,” said Mr Holyoake. commenting on the business transacted by the Cabinet. “Obviously we were careful not to make decisions on policy,” he said. “We dealt only with those administrative questions with which it is proper for us to deal. We are working in full appreciation of the fact that we are only a caretaker Government for the next few days.” Mr Holyoake said he was referring as many questions as possible to the incoming Prime Minister, Mr Nash. All Prime Minister’s facilities were being extended td Mr Nash, and a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane would fly him tomorrow to Balclutha, where he would attend the funeral of Mr B. R. S. Waters.

Mr Holyoake mentioned the New Zealand itineraries of the Queen Mother and the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) as two subjects on which he was consulting Mr Nash.

OVERSEAS EXCHANGE APPLICATIONS “No Increases” After Election (From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON. December 2. There have been no increases in applications for overseas exchange after the Labour Party's win at the polls. This was said by banking authorities in Wellington this afternoon when they were asked whether there had been any significant rise in demand for overseas exchange. The officials added that business continued in its normal pattern.