Govt. To Study Strike Effects

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31091, 21 June 1966, Page 1

Govt. To Study Strike Effects

(New Zealand Preet Aeeoclation) WELLINGTON, June 20. The Cabinet has ordered an immediate and intensive study of the repercussions the British seamen’s strike could have on the New Zealand economy.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight the study will be made in conjunction with all interested parties. It would involve those who could give the Government “as precise as possible information and forecasts related to the strike." The study will b- made under the direction of the acting - Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr TalbOys). Mr Holyoake said some parts of the community will be affected “fairly soon" by the strike now in its sixth

As far as he knew no careful survey had been made on the subject “Results of the survey decided upon by the Cabinet will probably be released to the public, because the findings will be of help to the people," he said.

“We need to see the picture to enable us to determine if any action can be taken.’’

As obvious sources of information Mr Holyoake listed the producer boards, manufacturers, importers and shipping companies. He said he had not received any representations from trade groups on the strike. “This is a British domestic problem,” he said. “The Government is quite anxious about the effect on imports and supply of raw materials.” Mr Holyoake said the strike could result in “quite a serious dislocation” of New Zealand markets, and referred to New Zealand’s dependence on British shipping.

week—by the delay in the arrival of imports.