Committee sees problems in ties

Press, 25 February 1981, Page 6

Committee sees problems in ties

PA Wellington The Cabinet economic committee considers serious problems exist in obtaining a closer economic relation-: ship with Australia. In a statement issued yesterday after the com-, mittee had discussed negotiating progress on the matter, the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) said that because: of the need to resolve these problems it was too early, to say when he would be able to meet the (Australian: Prime Minister (Mr Fraser), !

i! The two Prime Ministers: had earlier indicated they, rhoped to meet some time ; next month to review pro- : ; gress made in the negotiations. Mr Muldoon said detailed: I! submissions by the various: ■j sectors involved in studies: ■ion the closer economic rela- • tionship were considered by ■ the committee. ; :i “Objections raised by vari-i rous industries were considered and it is clear that! : these cover' a wide area. (Most are capable of being: i dealt with by either the!

working party of officials! from both Governments or: the heads of departments: who will meet this week and: next week. “It is a question of wheth-l er, on balance, we can see; substantial advantages: accruing to New Zealand. Ministers were agreed that the main issu'l raised must: be dealt with satisfactorily before any progress can be; made. “It is clear from our stud-! ies so far that serious prob-i lems do exist and these 1 must be resolved,” Mr Mui-! doon said.