Remarks 'too much’

Press, 15 October 1976, Page 3

Remarks 'too much’

Parliamentary reporter

For Sir Basil Arthur as Labour spokesman on transport to imply that all decisions on shipping should be taken only on the advice of the Ministry of Transport is “just a bit too much to take,” according to Mr R. F. Walls (Nat., Dunedin North). “It is obvious tl t Sir 3asil’s statement on the decision by the Japanese shipoing lines to use only Port Chalmers raises again the •nanv doubts that have been expressed about the way the original decision was arrived at,” Mr Walls s; id. “Sir Basil is determined that by some means that decision will be justified.” said Mr Walls. “It is quite obvious that had he and his incompetent Government remained in office, thev would have intervened to direct trade to whatever port they chose.

The mind boggles at the poliical significance of such in-] terference. “The decision to have two] ports in the South Island is! a fact. The Otago and Lytlelton Harbour Boards shou'd be left to get on with the task of completing their facilities, without political interference. “Those who will work the terminals at the ports should be left to get on with the job of shifting the cargoes. Some good, healthv competition in efficiency will do plenty of good.” Mr Walls said. "The shipping lines must be left to get on with using their immense capital investment in container ships to the best advantage of all parties.

“Importers and exporters must be allowed to make their own commercial judgments. As a country, we buy f.o.b In other words we pay the freight on our imports when we buy and on our ex-

ports when we sell. They Iwill want the best rates. : “While the then Minister should know the reasons for [decisions taken bv shipping companies to use certain ports, there should be a free .flow of information the other wax and between all parties, so that it can be seen that decisions taken are fair and in the interests of all concerned.

“It has been clearly indicated by the present Minister of Transport that there will be no interference or direction from this Government.” said Mr Walls. “This attitude is fully supported by my colleagues on the Government benches. “ T will constantly reinforce it bv monitoring the work of the Ministry and other interested parties, as I have done over recent months, and particularly in the sequence which led to the Japanese lines’ decisions.”