National stays behind its market drive

Press, 16 April 1986, Page 26

National stays behind its market drive

PA Wellington No enthusiasm existed in the National Party for any back-tracking on a market-driven approach to the economy, said the Opposition member of Parliament for Raglan, Mr Simon Upton.

He said the economic position paper released last year was not just a document that reflected the particular views of the former leader, Mr Jim McLay. “They were endorsed by the National Party and still provide the direction of our economic thinking as we move towards the election,” Mr Upton, who was seen as a supporter of Mr McLay, told the Wellington Manufacturers’ Council. The party as a whole had given caucus a mandate to explore an economic direction which was “forward-looking and part of that new international movement towards more flexible, more market driven economies.” “The National Party’s endorsement of a market-

led economic strategy means that a change of leadership may not be • interpreted as a change in ; policy direction.” The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, has warned that National might have to apply economic policies that contradict its long-term goals if it inherited a ■ recession after winning the next election. However, he has also said he has no difficulty with the economic posi- ; tion paper. Mr Upton also called for an urgent review of ' social welfare. "Without a risk-taking " environment that expects ■ all individuals to at least seek to provide for their ; needs, we are doomed to a cult of mediocrity and ; dependency.” While it was not pos- i, sible to pull the rug from ' under those who had made their plans on the basis of continuing sup- ; port, he said clear messages had to be given to ; future generations.