Stance on rationing explained

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 16

Stance on rationing explained

(A r eit> Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, October 1.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Tizard) clarified his stance on petrol rationing today before a rowdy audience of 500 students at the University of Otago.

Mr Tizard explained that he had suggested the scheme as a means, of stimulating publicdiscussion about the proposal, and was simply putting the alternatives to the public. “I want people to talk and think about this serious issue which is facing the country, [and I want some feedback on [the proposal of petrol rationing.” Mr Tizard emphasised that (petrol rationing was a possibility which would have to [be seriously considered. If the price of oil were to [remain stable, Mr Tizard [said, there were only three

choices — further borrowing increasing export earnings, or “going without.” “Rationing may not be an easy solution but from the economic point of view it does seem inevitable.” Mr Tizard expressed confidence that some members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting coun-! tries would be prepared to market oil for a lower return 1 , than the recent 10 per cent! increase. There was obvious dissen-i sion within the ranks of 0.P.E.C., he said, and he cited Ecuador and Iraq as two countries which might offer more agreeable terms of trade. “Inevitably, each Power is going to consult its own first interests, and each one is going to want the best deal it can get.” Answering criticism that the Government had known of the increase but had taken no action, Mr Tizard said it was impossible to “play around” with prices. Mr Tizard faced a barrage of interjections at the hour-

long meeting and provided answers which, although they did not always please the students, received a goodnatured response.