INDUSTRY PLANNING

Evening Star, Issue 22620, 12 April 1937, Page 2

INDUSTRY PLANNING

MINISTER ASKS FOR CO-OPERATION CENTRAL ORGANISATIONS TO GUIDE BUREAU [Pek United Press Association.] WANGANUI, April 10. “ I consider the foundations for industrial planning which have been laid in New Zealand to be more than the equal of those in any other country in the world,” stated the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), in reference to the establishment of the Bureau of Industry under the Industrial Efficiency Act. “ The fact that the most highly industrialised countries are experimenting with industrial planning, or integration, suggests that it responds to a real need created by modern conditions in industry,” he continued. “ There is no doubt that in the public interest such a need exists in New Zealand today. “ The Governmet has set up the Bureau of Industry for the purpose of planning and assisting industry,” added Mr Sullivan, “ and I desire to make a special appeal for the co-operation ol individual' and collective business units with the bureau in its work on their behalf. I do not mean merely that businesses should express a desire to co-operate, but that industries should take definite steps to form central organisations with which the bureau can consult in regard to the problems with which any particular industry is concerned. If such organisations are set up they will greatly facilitate the work of the bureau. And what is even more important, the industry will then be able to speak with one voice to reconcile any differences which may exist, and then put forward opinions to the bureau or the Government which are, in effect, the voice of the whole industry. I realise that industrial planning is in the experimental stage in New Zealand as well as elsewhere, and that we must consequently proceed cautiously. The real problems involved are coming to light.” The Minister said he was confident that if the co-operation he appealed for was given those problems would be solved.