Opposition Attacks Price Rises

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32219, 11 February 1970, Page 14

Opposition Attacks Price Rises

(New Zealand Press Association;

BLENHEIM, February 10.

If the Government is not prepared to take a case to the Trade Practices Commission, we as a party are,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) tonight when opening the Labour Party campaign for the Marlborough by-election. Mr Kirk was referring to pricefixing practices in certain industries.

He specifically referred to the biscuit industry which, he said, “is an established trade group exploiting the country.” He was speaking to . a crowd of nearly 200 ! He denounced the Government for allowing the delay '(to last two years in bringing the case of increased bank ■charges before the commission.

Mr Kirk attacked the Government's record in following its own policy aimed at “the maximum possible stabilisation of price levels.” Purchasing power had eroded in the last few weeks; through price increases. I The National Government had set out in the election campaign to conceal that price increases would occur Mr Kirk said some of the increases were postponed unItil after the election The Government had rigged * this loperation so that it could fool the voters, he said | Increases in road cartage I rates would become effective lon Friday. On the day before ithe General Election the Min-

istry of Transport had approved these increases, but had not released the information till after the election, [Mr Kirk said. “This is dishonest practice on the part of government.” said Mr Kirk. It was alleged to be a coincidence that some 296 grocery

items had been increased tn price in December and January. “What a coincidence they did not do so in November,” he said.