Government guilty of confidence trick—Finlay

by Judie Falloon

The Present government is guilty of a confidence trick," said Dr. Martin Finlay, Labour. He was speaking for the affirmative on the motion, "That this House has no confidence in the government," at the VUW Debating Society's annual Parliamentary debate.

"The country has not grown, in fact it has regressed," he said. "The existence of unemployment is itself an indictment of the present Government."

DR Finlay cited Labour's win in the recent Fendalton by election as an indication of the Government's lack of popularity at present.

He closed his speech by suggesting a reshuffle of the present Cabinet—he recommended Shand for Prime Minister, Marshall for Finance, Muldoon for Industries and Commerce, and Munro for External Affairs. "The rest can be filled anyhow," he said.

Speaking for the negative, National MP Sir Leslie Munro said. "I am not going to deny that we are facing an economic crisis," but added "The standard of living here, the absence of poverty, is equal to that found anywhere in the world."

The Government had not wasted money—it had been spent on hydroelectric schemes, iron and steel mills hospitals, university buildings, and other valuable projects.

"The Government has had to take action, and I am glad it is a responsible party which has done it." he said referring to the recent economic measures.

On foreign affairs, Sir Leslie spoke of "Alliances to which we intend to adhere," and cited SEATO and ANZUS. "In this matter, the Labour Party has a guilt complex."

Replying to Dr. Finlay's criticism of the recent White Paper on Defence," Dr. Finlay would surely never doubt the ntergrity of the men in External Affairs."

"We are the Government, we have been returned to office. We have been a responsible government, enjoying the confidence of a majority of the people, and I ask you to reject the motion with the contempt it deserves," he concluded.

On a vote of the House the motion was carried 78 to 30.