Mr Hayden has doubts on C.E.R.

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 1

Mr Hayden has doubts on C.E.R.

NZPA Canberra The Federal Leader of the •Opposition, Mr Bill Hayden, yesterday cast doubts on the future of a closer economic relationship between Australia and New Zealand under a Labour government. Speaking at Canberra's National Press Club, Mr Hayden said that it was "nonsense” to talk about substantial cuts in protection at a time of high and mounting unemployment. His remarks were followed up by a statement by Labour spokesmen, which strongly criticised the Fraser Government's handling of C.E.R. “After months of discussions with various industry leaders, Labour has decided that the only basis for acceptance of C.E.R. will be on equitable arrangements whereby there will not be winners and losers,” they said. ■ “Mr Fraser’s .and (the Deputy Prime Minister) Mr Anthony’s manic determination to represent New Zealand’s case, so that they can get a signed agreement, is .

causing consternation among Australian producers." The statement was issued by Labour's spokesman on primary industry, Mr John Kerin; its spokesman on industry and commerce, Mr Christopher Hurford; and its spokesman on business and consumer affairs, Mr John Brown. Mr Hayden was asked at the Press Club if he believed that the trade protectionist sentiment within the Labour Party was likely to have a marked effect oh any future Labour government, which could affect C.E.R. Mr Hayden replied that he did not support the across-the-board tariff cut approach which was being recommended in some circles. “in the conditions we have today you have an economy which is in reverse and you have got unemployment which is rapidly rising — I would expect about 8 per cent by the end of this year - and unless there are policies put in place to reverse this, unemployment will be even worse next year,” he said.