Secret talks denied

Press, 10 August 1979, Page 4

Secret talks denied

PA Wellington The Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Taiboys) yesterday denied a suggestion by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) that decisions on a possible economic union with Australia were being made “in secret behind closed doors.” Mr Rowling made the comment during debate on the overseas trade estimates. He called on Mr Taiboys to say whether the Government was considering an economic union, a customs union, or a political union. Mr Taiboys told Parliament that basic background work was being done. It was yet to be determined whether

the result would be a totally free trade agreement between the two countries.

“There is nothing more going on than that,” he said. He could not say how long it would be before a form of union was accomplished: it could take “five years, 10 years, or one year.” But time would be allowed for widespread debate on the main decisions ahead before any commitment was made. The Minister of Customs (Mr Templeton) said it was imperative to deal with the question of an economic union with Australia. The oil shock had shown that New Zealand had to renegotiate its position in the Pacific.

“We can never face up to the rest of the world unless we are in harmony with Australia and the Pacific,” said Mr Templeton. Mr M. K. Moore (Lab., Papanui) accused the National Party of “never being happy unless it is selling New Zealand out. “Now it wants to put New Zealand into receivership to Australia.

“The people of Christchurch don’t want to be part of New Zealand, let alone part of Australia.” Mr Moore said New Zealand would be “lucky to come out with its trousers on” from negotiations with Australia.