Labour to think jobs before thinking big

Press, 16 November 1981, Page 6

Labour to think jobs before thinking big

NZPA Political reporter Wellington The Labour leader (Mr Rowling) has adopted a firm stance against think big, hardening the General Election issues into a clear choice between two directions of growth.

In an interview he has clarified Labour’s policy on the think big projects, and siad that not one of the top ones had proved its case ahead of the more fundamental forms of development, such as agriculture and horticulture. The projects could be delayed five, 10, or 15 years.

Mr Rowling said the Mobil synthetic fuel. plant could easily be put back five or 10 years.

Mobil has delayed a decision on the plant until after the election, and has indicated it is confident Labour will take a favourable view of the project. But Mr Rowling said, “They reckon they are going to produce , evidence that is going to convince us entirely. All right, good on them, let them produce the evidence.” Questioned further, Mr Rowling said Mobil had to prove a point, “that it can do something to bring growth, jobs and export earnings to the country ahead of the other things.”

If it could not produce the evidence it had to "wait in the queue” until the country got back on its feet. The same applied to the Aramoana aluminium smelter which would be “further back.” Asked if it was equally possible that the synthetic fuel plant could go ahead - under a Labour government next year, Mr Rowling said, “I cannot see any of those projects taking precedence over the fundamental issues I have mentioned.” He agreed that the Mars- ' den Point refinery extensions would go ahead ‘once there was an explanation and

examination of cost increases. But, he said, Labour had given no undertakings on the New Zealand Steel expansion. “What we are really saying is that maybe- in the course of time — five years, 10 years, 15 years time — any one or more of those projects may find a place in the New Zealand scheme of things. : ' Mr Rowling said his party had indicated its priorities in its. five-year development plan. It was important that man-power was absorbed before any new areas of growth were sought.