Opposition Indicates Early Attack

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31989, 16 May 1969, Page 20

Opposition Indicates Early Attack

(Hew Zealand Press Association?

WELLINGTON, May 15.

The Opposition today gave notice to the Government of an early attack on its policies carried out during the long summer recess.

Most of this afternoon’s brief sitting of Parliament was taken up with Opposition M.P.S informing the House of notices of motion they intended debating later in the session.

A total of 12 members of Parliament eight Opposition and four Government filed notices of motion.

The notices of motion ranged from criticism of the reduced frequency of rail services on the Wellington suburban lines to the failure of the Government to hold farm costs.

Three Government motions endorsed the Government’s policy of Introducing competition to New Zealand broadcasting (Mr A. McCready, Otaki);

Setting up the National Development Conference, with the claim that the targets could be better met by indicative planning rather than the Labour Party’s Socialist planning (Mr H. J. Walker. S* Albans): Developing new export markets in conjunction with the producer boards and private enterprise (Mr G. A. Walsh, Tauranga). Mr H. E. L. Pickering (Nat, Rangiora) also tabled a motion commending the Governjnent on its handling of the economy and in bringing about an improvement in the

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) tabled the first motion, which noted that the Government had “at long last recognised the Labour Party’s advocacy” for an increase in benefits and medical payments, but deplored “the cruel delay and tbe hopelessly inadequate” adjustments proposed. Other Opposition motions included:

Criticism of the Government’s “lack of concern” for the emigration of young people from New Zealand (Sir Basil Arthur, Timaru); The need to assist superannuitants in view’of rising prices (Mr N. J. King, Waitemata);

Concern for the apparent lowering of standards by the Ministry of Works in motorway and bridge construction, and the need for an independent public inquiry (the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Watt, Onehunga); A call for a national shipping line (Mr S. A. Whitehead, Nelson).

Two Labour M.P.s in their : notices of motion called for : the resignation of Cabinet : Ministers for their failure to

properly administer their portfolios. ‘Should Resign’ Mr W’att in his notice of motion sought the resignation of the Minister of Works (Mr Allen); and Mr J. L. Hunt (New Lynn) tabled a motion saying that in the face of widespread dissatisfaction in the field of education among the profession, parents and leaders of industry, the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella) should resign in the hope that a more persuasive minister might secure better financial provision from his Cabinet colleagues. Mr C. J. Moyle (Lab., Manakau) in a notice of motion deplored the “complete failure” of the Government to hold farm costs and demanded that it act immediately to reduce interest rates, power charges and fertiliser costs.

country’s balance of payments.