Labour Attack On Industrial Policy

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29742, 8 February 1962, Page 14

Labour Attack On Industrial Policy

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, February 7. The president of the Laboui Party (Dr A M Finlay) today attacked the Government’s industrial development policy as improvident and short-sighted Commenting on the release by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) of agreements made with nine new industries Dr Finlay said: “The public will be dismayed to learn that in spite of the gravest crisis in the sale of farm products to arise for many vears the N-’tona) Government has decided to restrict our future development to a pastoral economy and a few backyard industries with stagnation and unemployment as inevitable consequences “There is an old saying that there are more ways of killin' f cat than drowning it in cream but hat seems likely to be our fate “No major industry is going to establish itself in the small market we can offer without some form and degree of protection. and without then our chances of weathenng the European Common Market storm are nil"

Dr. Finlay said this “improvident and short-sighted policy" would be vigorously fought by the Labour Party, which was proud to stand by its records and plans for the industrial development of New Zealand.

“It is high time steady does it’ gave way to a crash programme geared to meet and deal with the terrifying problems that are hurtling towards us." he said “The National Party’s mam preoccupation last year has been the formulation and dissemination of soothing platitudes

“This year let us have some action or let them get out in favour of a party which at least understands that problem and is prepared to do something about it.”