Small Fishermen ‘Not Neglected’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31005, 10 March 1966, Page 6

Small Fishermen ‘Not Neglected’

(New Zealand Press Association I

WELLINGTON, March 9. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) was mistaken when lie said that the Government had neglected the small man in the fishing industry, the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) said today.

“I am surprised that as Leader of the Opposition Mr Kirk does not make sure of his facts before he lays claim to the public’s attention,” Mr Scott said. Mr Scott said that at the last session of Parliament the Government had provided the means of applying more than £1 million to the fishing industry through a mortgage guarantee and complementary loans scheme, taxation incentives and fisheries research. “If Mr Kirk had done the homework his electorate deserves, he will be fully aware that the mortgage guarantee and loan scheme is of direct

benefit to the small man only. “Companies are disqualified from participating in the scheme and they must go to the Development Finance Corporation,” Mr Scott said. “I share the present Government view that the small man is worth helping. It is nonsense to suggest otherwise. “As an example of how far out from fact Mr Kirk's statement fell there is the proven fact that on the very day he spoke, two loans for new fishing boats for small men were recommended to the State Advances Corporation by the Fishing Industry Loans Committee,” he said. Mr Scott said the essence of the scheme was that it enabled small men in industry to enter partnerships and cooperatives. “It is not the Government’s policy to force this issue upon members of the industry who want to work independently but Mr Kirk’s tone indicates too obviously that he would encourage organisation purely for the sake of control,” he said.