NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Permanent Council Recommended

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31982, 8 May 1969, Page 26

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Permanent Council Recommended

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 7.

The National Development Conference today recommended to the Government that a permanent National Development Council be established.

The council would consist of about 12 members, with Cabinet Ministers as chairman and deputy chairman, and other members representative of the major interests of the community. It would keep under review the targets and objectives set by the conference and the measures necessary for their implementation, as well as considering matters referred to it by the Government. It would advise the government on the establishment and functions of sector councils and consider matters referred to it by councils. Mr D. B. McDonald (Wellington) a Federation , of Labour delegate, said the council would allow communication between different sectors ■ of the community—- “ They will be able to talk together, rather than stand apart and throw bricks.” Mr S. O. Field (Wellington) suggested that one member of the council should be aged less than 30. Qualification of Youth But Mr H. Rennie (Wellington), who admitted to being under 30, said youth should be considered on qualifications, not on age—.“l have little sympathy for the idea that youth should be represented solely because of its age." Mr M. A. Connelly, Labour Member of Parliament for Riccarton, said a sociologist should be included in the council membership to appraise the social implications of economic policies. Although no conference

delegates opposed the establishment of the council most debate centred on its composition. Mr J. N. Laurenson (Wellington) referred to representatives of “major interests” which would be appointed to the council. “The new body must give the impression of being completely impartial and concerned only with the national interest. Major Interests “This would be better served if membership of the council came from individuals freed from the association of major interests,” he said. -

In reply, the chairman of the steering committee and secretary of the treasury, Mr H. G. Lang, said support for

the council by the conference showed a marked change in the country’s attitude to planning. He assured the conference that council membership would also be based on individual ability and not just sector representation. Mr Lang agreed with some speakers that the whole council machinery must be flexible and modified from time to time to meet changing needs. Sector Councils The conference adopted, for the noting of the new council, recommendations urging the establishment of a number of sector councils, including manufacturing, forestry, fisheries, tourism and distribution, as well as committees for mineral resources and cultural affairs.