LABOUR’S POLICY ATTACKED

Southland Times, Issue 23335, 20 October 1937, Page 6

LABOUR’S POLICY ATTACKED

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE SUGGESTED CONTROL OF PRESS CONDEMNED (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 19. The attacks made on private enterprise from time to time by “irresponsible members of the Government” were referred to by Mr R. A. Wright (Ind., Wellington Suburbs) during the debate on the Financial Statement in the House of Representatives tonight.. Mi’ Wright said it was refreshing to hear the assurance given by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) that it was not the intention of the Government to run chain stores, or to take over the chemist shops. The fundamental plank in the Government’s policy, of course, was the socialization of the means of production, distribution and exchange. “Everybody knows that now,” said Mr Wright. “Everybody is getting to

understand it, but not everybody understood it at the last general election. The people are afraid that the Government will do all these things which Mr Sullivan tells us it has no intention of doing. The Government has only itself to blame if the people take heed of the statements of these irresponsible members who are doing more to create unrest than all the rumours now in circulation.”

The member for Timaru (the Rev. C. L. Carr) had stated that in the event of another depression the Government would use the public credit to tide the country over its difficulties. The only inference which could be drawn from that was that paper money would be issued. If that was the Government’s intention then Mr Carr deserved credit for his frankness because it was the only definite statement yet given. The Press had been subjected to a good deal of criticism, said Mr Wright, and one member of the Labour Party (Dr D. G. McMillan) had even suggested that the newspapers should be non-political and State-owned. If that was done nothing but harm would result. The foundation would be laid for the form of tyranny that now existed in som continental countries. The bulwark of liberty and independence was a free Press. The veiled hints by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) were very disturbing, not only to the newspapers themselves but also to thousands of citizens.

Mr Wright defended the private trading banks and said it was only fair that the Prime Minister should be made to prove his allegation that they were not giving efficient service. The business people would resent any interference with the present system.