'No intention to upset tourists’

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33904, 25 July 1975, Page 2

'No intention to upset tourists’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 24. r The National Party had no intention of r! upsetting the exchange of passengers, holidaymakers, and tourists between New f Zealand and Australia, the Opposition spokesman on immigration, Mr J. B. Gordon, said today.

’■ "We have already ;! announced that the National ‘ Party opposes any move which would require the reintroduction of passports be- ! tween Australia and New ! Zealand. ■ “Our policy envisages that . the immigration form signed i by all people entering the country will distinguish be- . tween those who enter as visitors and tourists and those who enter for work for a period longer than 12 months.

“In the latter case, the: proposition will be discussed with the Australian Govern-1 ment, and the form now in; use may suffice as al statutory declaration,” he! said in a statement. Mr Gordon said the Minister of Immigration (Mr Colman) had taken one quote that was qualified by the text of National’s immigration policy. “The policy spelt out specifically that a National government would have 'bilateral talks with various ; countries, including Australia, on the establishment of revised immigration I criteria. “There is certainly no’ need for alarmism on a relatively simple issue from ai Minister who has neglected his responsibilities and now ; seems committed to the! National Party’s objective for ’controlled immigration,” he I said.