Figures on jobless queried by M.P.

Press, 21 November 1978, Page 4

Figures on jobless queried by M.P.

New Zealand’s unemployment problem is caused by an “unemployment attitude,” according to the member of Parliament for Lyttelton (Miss Colleen Dewe). Miss Dewe was speaking at a public meeting in her electorate at which the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Taiboys), also spoke. About 130 people were in the Mount Pleasant Community Centre hall to hear them.

“I would question those that are on the dole,” said Miss Dewe. “How many of them are genuinely unemployed, and how many are just not interested in work?

“I believe many of these . eople are saying to themselves: ‘Perhaps I will make up my mind when I have found something I like but in the meantime 1 will go on the dole’,” said Miss Dewe.

“We have unemployment I know. But how widespread, and for what reason, I don’t know.” Miss Dewe said she would like to get to the truth of -the matter. She did not believe the unemployment figures were correct.

“I have heard of -people holding down a job and still drawing unemployment benefits.”

Mr Taiboys was asked if he believed that everybody in New Zealand should have a job.

“I believe that everybody should work, and particularly those that have jobs,” he replied. Mr Taiboys later spoke of New Zealand’s trade prospects overseas. He said that many countries around the world held New Zealand in high regard, including those of the European Economic Community.

'■l’m not saying for a moment that their agricultural protectionist policies are going to change overnight — they’re not. Unemployment was widespread overseas, and this was inclined to engender protectionism.

"But what is needed is greater liberalisation of trade — protectionism will never solv the problem. We deserve to have the right to earn our living in the world as do those dealing in agricultural products.” Already New Zealand's efforts were having an impact. New markets were being found and opened up.

"Asia is now a market for 24 per cent of New Zealand’s exports, and it has taken a tremendous amount of effort by the Government and by producers to open this up,” Mr Taiboys said.