NEGOTIATIONS ON STEEL

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29250, 7 July 1960, Page 14

NEGOTIATIONS ON STEEL

Mr Nash Refuses Inquiry (New Zealand Press Association/ WELLINGTON, July 8. There was no need for a Royal commission to investigate negotions on the proposed New Zealand iron and steel industry, the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) said today. He was replying to a question asked in the House of Representatives earlier this session by Mr J R. Hanan (Opposition, Invercargill). Mr Nash’s reply was one of 40 Ministerial replies to questions circulated in the House today. Mr Na§h said the facts of the recent negotiations on the iron and steel industry weep fully known to ail interested people and organisations, and there was no need for a Royal commission. The investigation of the proposed iron and steel industry would take about two years, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Holloway) told the House. He was defending the Government's decision to- set up its own company to make the investigation. Mr D. J. Eyre (Opposition, North Shore) had asked him why the Government abandoned its plan, to have a joint Governmentprivate enterprise investigating company. “The Government changed tts mind because I failed to bring about a compromise between the various private interests wanting to participate. I take,full responsibility.” Mr Hollowdy replied. He said the success of the Government’s Investigating company was guaranteed by the calibre of its directors, some of whom had probably faced criticism for accepting directorships Other Replies Other replies were:— The Government is not proposing to reopen the New Zealand Legation in Moscow at present—Mr Nash to Mr D. J. Car- - ter (Opposition, Raglan). The Prime Minister did not visit Lenin's tomb tn Moscow, and did not kneel there at any time.—Mr Nash to Mr D. J Eyre (Opposition, North Shore). Good progress is being made, but no time-table has been fixed for the production of New Zealand's wedding gift to Princess Margaret—Mr Nash to Mr A. E. Alton (Opposition, Franklin). The Government is considering changing the basis of tax on motor-vehicles from one of sales tax to purchase tax.—The Minister of Finance (Mr Nordmeyer) to Mr T. L. Hayman (Opposition, Oamaru) “Ne Compensation’*

No compensation was made to Mr J. F. McDonald as the result of the successful appeal against his appointment as New Zealand Trade Commissioner tn Hong Kong.—The Minister Of Industries and Commerce (Mr Holloway) to Mr P. B Allen (Opposition. Bay of Plenty)

The Department of Industries and Commerce has had 24 inquiries about the proposed rental factory scheme, but no negotiations have yet been, completed.— Mr Holloway to Mr W J Scott (Deposition, Rodney). The Department of Education, the Ministry of Works, and the New Zealand Fire Services Council are completing a consolidated code of practice for fire protection and fire prevention to serve as a standard for an schools.— The Minister of Education (Mr Skoglund) to Mr T. T. Murray (Opposition, Stratford).