Labour policy being vigorously debated

Press, 3 December 1987, Page 40

Labour policy being vigorously debated

By

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

Government members of Parliament were involved in a “vigorous” debate over policy issues, said the M.P. for Lyttelton, Dr Peter Simpson, on Tuesday. However, he emphasised that the debate among Government members did not mean a split within the Labour caucus.

Dr Simpson will soon complete his first parliamentary session as one of Parliament’s “first termers”; the new Labour members returned after this year’s General Election.

He described the last months as a pressurecooker course in parliamentary procedure and the work of an M.P.

This job is one that you could never prepare yourself for. It has been an enormously stimulating experience. I have been thrown in the deep end and have had to learn to swim.”

His first session had also emphasised the team spirit in causus; a spirit which “takes some adapting to.” "The National Opposition appears to be fairly

dispirited after its second major defeat. It gives no impression of being a strong, united opposition. “Having won a second term, the Labour Government is now involved in a vigorous debate over policies. There is a fair diversity of opinion within the Government on a number of issues — a mood which I see as being completely right and proper. “But it would be wrong to see a split into two factions. This is a debate over the many issues which arise and from it a middle road can be found.” Critics of Government policy within and outside the Labour Party had to recognise the radical shifts which had taken place in New Zealand and overseas since the 1950 s and 19605, he said. “We can’t return to the past. New Zealand cannot avoid the realities of a changing international economic situation and the development of new technology. We must find new ways of approaching the world climate rather than trying to sustain the old order of things. “The Government has

been forced to take drastic steps to enable New Zealand to survive. But the ideals of the first Labour governments remain, and will always remain the same.”

Dr Simpson said he had spent his first session informing himself about a range of issues ranging from foreign affairs to the arts. Apart from being appointed as convener of the caucus committee on the environment, he had become involved with a number of committees.

“I am beginning to put a special emphasis on issues about which I feel particularly strongly. The concept of the Ministry of the Arts interests me particularly I would like to make some contribution to raising the profile of the arts in New Zealand, which can contribute so much to the economy and employment.

“But as an M.P., especially a new member you cannot afford to become a specialist. You have to take an interest in the total mix of society, and personally, this has been one of the most exciting things during the session.”