WHAT M.P.s WERE SAYING Why Mr Talbot tore Budget

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33858, 2 June 1975, Page 2

WHAT M.P.s WERE SAYING Why Mr Talbot tore Budget

( From

CEDRIC MENTIPLAY)

WELLINGTON, i June 1. The Budget - tearing exhibition by Mr R. L. G. Talbot (Nat.. South Canterbury) was well publicised — but reports did not say why he tore up the Government’s planning document. The theme of Mr Talbot's Budget Debate speech had been that while Government leaders had talked about New Zealand's dependence! on the farmer, they had done nothing to help with farmers’ rising costs. Mr Talbot quoted the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Walding) as saying “Fanners cannot have it both ways.” and hinting on Government plans for meat stabilisation. | ’Grizzling’ “These are incredible statements,” Mr Talbot said.. “They sound just like the Minister of Finance (Mr Tizard) who said a while ago ? that all the farmers did was grizzle.” He charged Mr Walding with saying that meat and wool farmers should not bep hard-line capitalists when prices were high, and enthusiastic socialists when they I were low. The farming industry was i tired of this sort of “irresponsible" comment, Mr Tal-b bot said. The Labour Gov- j ernment seemed determined to drive a wedge in New l Zealand society at a time < when all sectors should be I working together. I

i Mrs M. Batchelor (Labj Avon), speaking during i question time, said that if women were to play a! greater part in the work force, they»must be accepted' as individuals. The Government’s grant oi $123,000 towards International! Women's Yeai would -halp] towards that acceptance. “This could well be the beginning of a new era, which will allow women the i ■ widest possible involvement in strengthening world! peace,” Mrs Batchelor said. i “Just as women are becoming aware of their full potential, so also are Governments becoming aware of] the need to improve the] status of women.” Broadcasting The Broadcasting Amendiment Bill, a private mem- ; ■ ber's measure sponsored by Mr H. J. Walker (Nat, Papanui), is in a state of suspended animation, as the introductory debate on it last' Thursday was interruptec by the dinner adjournment. Undoubtedly it will be read a! first time in the coming!, week, and then will receive, as much publicity as the Speaker and the Government will allow’ it. The purpose of the bill, “ according to Mr Walker, is!: to give broadcasters more | independence, particularly in informing the public on con-' troversial issues, and to divorce broadcasting from, political control. As a former Minister of 1 1 Broadcasting. Mr Walker , does not believe that the , Broadcasting Act, 1973.: gives proper protection to'.

broadcasters, in that they could be open to political interference. “Whatever political control or direction there is, it must be made> public, otherwise there musti be public suspicion and mis-l trust.” His view is that broad-' I casting in New Zealand is a; public facility, owned and', financed by the people, and; that no Government has any; ; right to use it for its own | ipolitical purposes. Clau;e 2 of the bill re-

quires Ministerial directions to broadcasting to be made ■ in writing, and a copy to be tabled in Parliament. It also r makes clear that a broadi caster is responsible only to ■ Ithe director-general. This, Mr Walker says, . would stop the practice of r some politicians telephoning |!a broadcaster with the I words. “I am ringing as a .. private citizen, not as a polilitician, but I want you to know I take strong ex- ■ ception.”