RADIO TIME ISSUE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30294, 21 November 1963, Page 16

RADIO TIME ISSUE

‘Social Credit Not Consulted’

The Social Credit Party was not consulted about the allocation of radio time as the Prime Minister had claimed, Mr A, W. Barwood, Social Credit candidate for Ashburton, said last evening in Ashburton,

If they had been consulted they would have supported the Liberal Party, he said. “We believe that any party which puts up candidates and is prepared to swear allegiance to the Crown is entitled to radio time.” “We don’t believe that a party which is subversive to our way of life, however, is entitled to it. “That is democracy. That is freedom of speech. When we become the government we won't tell National and Labour what time they are going to get. They will have the same as Social Credit-

“Social Credit is a way of life," Mr Barwood said. “People are doubtful because our opponents have called us ‘funny money’ cranks and said it has never been proved. Why shouldn’t we try it out? If people had purchasing power they would not need to buy on hire-purchase.

“In three months the national debt will probably exceed £100,000,000. The higher it gets the greater the speed of acceleration. . Because we cannot pay for facilities we need we hand the debt on to our children and they do the same. We pay for everything two or three times over. “We’re still paying off loans for obsolete facilities. Is it any wonder, the fix we’re in? “By the time the Benmore power Scheme is paid off in 56 years’ time the estimated cost of £33,000,000 will have increased to a total of £110,000,000. “That's what is wrong. It is not necessary. It is not true the only way to get the money is by borrowing and taxation. The findings of the Monetary Commission showed that works could be financed by the Reserve Bank without interest. We will use the facilities that are there. We will tell the financial wizards to go suck a lemon. If they want money to finance a war they can get it But if we want money to feed people or build roads they can’t do it. “The purpose of production is consumption. We must distribute the purchasing power so goods can be sold. Everyone is doing a service to the community. All are entitled to a just reward. All should have a share in the goods produced and an opportunity to make their own way in life,” said Mr Barwood.