More intervention

Press, 1 June 1984, Page 1

More intervention

PA Wellington Continued Government intervention in financial markets was promised in the Speech from the Throne by the Governor-General, Sir David Beattie, at Parliament’s opening yesterday. Sir David also called on employers and unions to match the Government’s “commitment to the highest possible level of employment.” The speech is the Government’s statement of legisla-

tive plans for the year. Reading it in Parliament’s seldom-used Legislative Council Chamber, the old Upper House, Sir David said: “Because of the need to balance public debt policy with interest rate objectives, the Government will continue to intervene directly as necessary in financial markets.” A “small increase” in the rate of inflation must be expected during the next year. However, Sir David said, “competitive market pressures and the remaining controls will help ensure that only limited price rises occur. The Government will be monitoring the situation very closely.” Referring to important legislation planned for the election-year Parliamentary session, Sir David said, “The talks on long-term wage reform have resulted in agreement being reached on a number of the principles on which a reshaped wagefixing system should be based. “The Government will be introducing measures this year so that wage bargaining under the new regime can be conducted from 1985 onwards.”

Other legislative plans he outlined were: © An amendment of the; Broadcasting Act to provide; for third-channel regional television. ® Legislation requiring all primary and secondary schools to devote a prescribed number of hours to basic subjects — arising.out of the review of the core curriculum. © Legislation to strengthen provision for care and protection of children and young persons who suffer neglect or ill-treat-ment. © A bill to make better provision for managing and conserving public archives and records, and “to take account of changes deriving from the Official Information Act, 1982.” ® A move to update the law on commissions of inquiry and extradition of offenders. • Bills relating to bail and statutory powers of entry to private premises. The session is expected to be a short one with the House expected to rise for the year just before Labour Day week-end. Parliament had a 17-min-ute sitting yesterday and the House is expected to get

on to the year’s work in earnest today when members debate a supply bill to give the Government money to run the country. Members quickly turned attention yesterday to the proposed 1985 All Black tour of South Africa, antinuclear legislation and trade unions. Immediately they moved into the debating chamber, four Labour members presented petitions asking the Government to oppose the tour. One Labour member of Parliament, Mr Richard Prebble (Auckland Central), gave notice that he would attempt to introduce a Nuclear-Free New Zealand Bill. A National member, Mr John Banks (Whangarei), said he would move that the House note the “intolerable tactics” of union delegates at Marsden Point. Sir David Beattie inspected an Army guard of honour before entering Parliament and reading the Speech from the Throne. About 200 people braved the bitter wind to watch the arrival of dignitaries including diplomats, local mayors, and judges. Further report, page 6