National in accord on economic policy

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 1

National in accord on economic policy

By

CHRIS MOORE

A consensus on the National Party’s economic policies had now been reached within the party’s caucus, said the Deputy Leader and spokesman on Finance, Mr Gair, in Christchurch yesterday.

The position had been reached after intensive lobbying and discussion among caucus members, and would result in the release of the party’s economic policy in about a month, Mr Gair said.

There would be no rebel views, he said ...

“although it has taken some members one or two speeches to reach this position.” In a speech later to local businessmen, Mr Gair denied that the party’s economic policies would be “Rogernomics revisited.”

, “The previous National Government had initiated and achieved significant progress towards a ‘more

market’ economy. The new National Government will continue in this direction. “The Labour Government has set about restructuring the economy with excessive haste and deficient thought and preparation. This approacuhas caused imbalances and distortions.” A National Government would pursue a “moderate and measured” programme of privatisation aimed at achieving a permanent reduction in the size and cost of the State. It would enccurage small business and introduce balanced economic policies to prevent the further growth of a “two-tier” economy.

Earlier, Mr Gair had predicted that a swing to National in marginal seats and a “significant” nonvote by Labour Party supporters would have a profound effect on the 1987 General Election. “If — and we should

underline if — Labour wins it will be by the slimmest of margins. It will be sufficiently narrow that Labour will quickly shelve Rogernomics and move back to its traditional base.

■"“It is in a highly defensive state. The honeymoon between the Labour Government, and the news media and community was a long one. But the Government’s credibility is now being questioned.”

Mr Gair said that several sitting Labour members in Christchurch faced a highly volatile political situation.

“Mrs Hercus is in a seat with a history of changing members, while both Mr Anderton and Mr Moore have been careful to distance themselves from Rogernomics. It’s now a long shot whether the West Coast will change. It was previously an impossibility.” Further report, page 2.