Support grows for C.E.R..

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 3

Support grows for C.E.R..

PA Wellington Both the Charjibers of Commerce and the Retailer’s Federation issued statements yesterday supporting Closer Economic Relations (C.E.R.) with Australia.

The statements came after criticism of progress towards C.E.R. at the week-end by the executive director of the Manufacturers’ Federation. Mr Noel Derry, who said that negotiations were “rushing headlong towards a conclusion” without adequate public debate. Mr Allan Williams, president of the Chambers of Commerce, said that the commercial community could not “rest easy and get on with its development in an atmosphere of uncertainty.”

He said that the chambers relied on the repeated statements of several Ministers that there would be ‘‘a measured, controlled, and constantly reviewed move" towards C.E.R.

The president of the Retailers’ Federation. Mr K. J. Treaev. said that he was

surprised that some manufacturers were expressing opposition because they had been involved in C.E.R. negotiations since the concept was first mooted. He was certain that they had been kept informed.

Mr Treaty said that some factions within the Manufacturers' Federation had "obviously got cold feet and were trying to force the Government’s hand." But it was essential that reason prevailed and that the general objectives were endorsed by the manufacturers. Retailers were concerned that unless C.E.R. went ahead New Zealand would become a backwater of no greater importance than the Falkland Island. I'niess the first move towards C.E.R. proceeded from January 1 next year. New Zealand would become the backwater of the Pacific Basin, said Mr Treaev.

Some "spectacular" work would have to be done if the C.E.R. agreement was to be in place by the beginning of next year, said Australia’s Minister of Primary Industry Mr Nixon vesterdav.

He repeated a statement he made on Monday that the January 1. 1983. target date set by the Australian and New Zealand Governments was “too optimistic.”

Mr Nixons assertions came at the opening of a meeting of State and Federal agriculture Ministers in Adelaide. which was also attended by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister. Mr MaclritvrO.

His statement drew an angry response from the Prime Minister. (Mr Muldoon). who said any change to the timetable was a matter between him and the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) ombetween him and Australia as Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony)’, and "not Mr Nixon."

"What 1 was doing." said Mr Nixon yesterday, “was drawing attention to’the fact that on both sides of the Tasman a great deal of work has to be done before C.E.R. can become a fact.”