Migration-inquiry call

Press, 26 May 1977, Page 3

Migration-inquiry call

(PA Wellington The Opposition spokesman on Labour, Mr A. J. Faulkner, yesterday called for an immediate top-level investigation into the i ecord level of people leaving New Zealand. “Last year, there was a net migration loss of 12,396 people. In the year to February this year, the net loss has soared to record level of over 17,000,’’ Mr Faulkner said. “This in itself is an appalling situation. But it is made far worse when the. figures are broken down. I Many of those leaving , are) the' "people with, the academic, technical, and trade skills desperately needed if New Zealand is to have a; sound economic future. ;

“Last year, we suffered a net loss of 382 motor mechanics; 292 architects, engineers, and surveyors; 550 carpenters, joiners, and wood workers; 296 teachers; and 392 nurses and midwives,” he said. Mr Faulkner said that an examination of the ages of people leaving was also very disturbing. Two-thirds of the departures were in the 20 to 30 years age-group. “These are the people on whom the future of the country depends—but with little hope of housing or meaning-!

ful employment, they are seeking opportunity " elsewhere,” he said. The situation was comparable with that in the late 19605. The result of the “brain drain” was that the third Labour Government had been faced with a critical shortage of manpower when it had attempted to expand housing and other services. “The situation must not be (allowed to happen again,” (Mr Faulkner said. “The Government must take immediate hold of the situation.

•. There is no doubt that the ■ causes of the problem lie in the present crippling econ- ■ omic situation. The blame i for that lies squarely on the : Government. i “But if it is prepared to : tackle the situation, and to . call in the advice of all interested parties in industry, I some constructive action ■ could be taken. “Unless it is prepared to : face up to its responsibility in this area, the economic and social future of New Zealand could be crippled,” IMr Faulkner said.