The economy

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32460, 21 November 1970, Page 16

The economy

Sir, —A change of Government will not be the answer to our economic and industrial problems but a change of heart by certain self-seek-ing individuals who are abusing their authority at the expense of our democratic State and its people as a whole. With the present struggle for power by all parties, including the outsiders, the F.0.L., a coalition government would most likely bring this political war to an end, thus reducing the growing list of leadership casualties.—Yours, etc., L.G.W. November 20, 1970. Sir, —The World Bank atlas reveals that for the period 1961 to 1968 the growth rate of our gross national product (G.N.P.) has the dismal distinction of bottom of the list. Its average was less than 2 per cent. Replying today in this column to criticism of N.A.C; fare increases, its general manager reveals that over the last three years N.A.C.’s productivity has risen from 18,900 ton-miles per employee to 22,500, about 20 per cent. Nevertheless N.A.C. is applying for fare increases. Are those responsible for the paradox the employers and employees in the many contingent industries now producing our 1.7 per cent G.N.P. growth rate? They probably deserve the criticism: • "inefficiency, requiring new management.” Britain under Labour got a selective employment tax which discriminates against employment in the service industries, the idea being that goods are more important than services to the growth of G.N.P. Mr Muldoon should avoid that one.—Yours, etc. A. B. CEDARIAN. November 20, 1970.