Labour Policy Network plans for re-election

Press, 23 February 1987, Page 8

Labour Policy Network plans for re-election

The Labour Party members who met at the week-end to discuss an alternative economic policy for the Government are committed to re-elect-ing a Labour Government, said the member of Parliament for Sydenham, Mr Jim Anderton. Mr Anderton, who helped to organise the Economic Policy Network meeting in Wellington said he saw it as “healthy” that issues could be debated. “It shows that the party is tolerant of alternative ideas, and prepared to accept such ideas on merit” Mr Anderton sakL that the 75 delegates the week-end were concerned

at the present wide gaps between sectors society.

The meeting was addressed by a P.S.A. economist and Labour Party member, Mr Peter Harris. Suggestions from Mr Harris included a change in taxation policy that would see tax on capital gains, wealth and financial transfers, said Mr Anderton. The Government would be in the centre of the economy, making sure there was “predictability and stability.” New price and incomes policies would avoid the widening gaps between sectore of society, said Mr Anderton. A commitment to re-

gional development was part of Mr Harris’ proposal. Mr Anderton said delegates received the suggestions “very well.” "They equate more with many of the objectives of the Labour Party, such as the right to work, and to have a constructive form of employment,” said Mr Anderton. He said delegates would work constructively within the party to see the ideas implemented. Many network members said the network was keeping them in the party, and many new members were being attracted because of it, said Mr Anderton.

Mr Anderton said some Labour Party members had said last year that they wanted to be better informed about Labour’s economic policy. More information was needed on “the likely social and economic impact of the current direction,” and possible policy alternatives, said Mr Anderton.

The initiative for the network meeting came from the conference of the “Broad Left” held last September, before the Labour Party annual conference. From that meeting, 300 delegates joined the network. The members who attended at the week-end all came/£rom that group.