Jobs For All -Mr Marshall

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31784, 14 September 1968, Page 42

Jobs For All -Mr Marshall

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 13. The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) said today there was really a situation of full employment in New Zealand and added: “There are jobs in New Zealand for people who are able and willing to work.”

“If there is anyone out of work I can provide a job for him because I have had a very large number of people in industry complaining to me that they cannot get men for jobs,” he said.

Mr Marshall’s statement—during question time in Parliament—followed a supplementary question from the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) which suggested that there was “massive unemployment in New Zealand.” He-said that a large motor industry in the Hutt Valley and the Gear Meat Company, for example, were looking for men.

Mr Kirk asked the Minister that, if the Government considered the employment situation now was “full employment,” had the Government accepted the idea of a permanent pool of unemployed. “Many Vacancies” Mr Marshall replied that the Opposition was trying to twist his words. “There are many vacancies in New Zealand and anyone who is qualified can get a job.”

Mr W. W. Freer (Lab., Mount Albert) asked if the Minister would find jobs if he gave him a list of qualified men from Auckland who could not get work. Mr Marshall replied: “I would say there are many vacant jobs. If the member will bring a list of skilled men I am sure I can find jobs for them.”