Minister Explains Remarks On Mill

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 12

Minister Explains Remarks On Mill

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Mar. 8. The Minister of Labour (Mr Shand> said tonight that his reference to departmental officials negotiating the Nelson cotton mill agreement “with no technical knowledge whatever” was intended to be “explanatory, not critical.”

“My attention has been drawn to a report of my speech at Otematata earlier Uiis week, which is being interpreted in some quarters

as a criticism of the public servants who were required to draw up the cotton mill agreement. This was certainly not my intention,” he said.

“I am fully aware that all public servants concerned acted under the direction of the Government of the day, and, in fact, the agreement was approved by the Government.

“Ministerial responsibility is clear and the former Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Holloway) has himself taken full responsibility for the agreement. "My reference to officials ‘with no technical knowledge whatever’ wan intended to be explanatory, not critical. The department cannot be expected to have experts in all the commodities with which it becomes concerned—nor have they. “I regret any reflection on any officer or officers that might be implied from my statement.

“From my own knowledge of this contentious issue, I fully realise the extremely arduous, difficult and no doubt ait times frustrating, task that was assigned to them.

“During the absence of the Minister of Industries and Commerce in December last, I worked very closely with them, and soon appreciated the ability they brought to the task and the exceptionally long hours they gave in trying to find a solution. I am grateful for what they did. “The simple fact remains, however, that the decision on a policy issue like this is one for the Government and it was decided for a number of reasons after a very full investigation not to proceed with the agreement,” Mr Shand said.