"Stab In Back ’—Mr Kirk

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 18

"Stab In Back ’—Mr Kirk

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 15. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) today described the proposed 20 per cent cut in the import of raw materials as a “stab in the back” for industry.

“It is most unjust that all those engaged in industry should be exposed to loss and hardship,” he said. “While others are going to be free to import goods that were formerly, or could be, made here.”

Mr Kirk was commenting on a speech last night by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) in which he said that imports of raw materials, plant and machinery and finished goods would be reduced in moct cases. The Opposition Leader said the proposed cut was a stab in the back for industry—particularly since it came on top of cuts of 15 per cent and more made last year. Large Reduction “Such a substantial reduction in the supply of raw materials is a substantial discouragement to industry,” said Mr Kirk, “and a direct threat to the earning and employment of thousands of people.” He said: “Why should some people be privileged to do as they like or to bring in as

much as they like, while others are to be deprived of a significant part of their livelihood?” Mr Kirk said while the availability of funds dictated the total volume of imports, this was no excuse for singling industry out as the principal—if not the only—target for sacrifice. “No matter whether this is due to the preference of the Government, or the dictates of the 1.M.F., when circumstances require some economies all sections of importers should take a share of the burden,” he said. Mr Kirk said failure to do this meant the Government was showing a disturbing indifference to justice and equity—an indifference that would unfairly and dangerously hit at the businesses and employment of thousands of people at present engaged in manufacturing.