ECONOMIC STABILITY

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 249, 22 October 1942, Page 2

ECONOMIC STABILITY

NEEDED IN DOMINION. WARNING BY MR F'RASER.

P.A.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 22.

The need for economic stability in the Dominion if disaster was to be avoided was emphasised by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, during the committee stage of the Fair Rents Amendment Bill in the H*ouse of Representatives last night. It had been pointed out, said Mr Fraesr, that the Bill did not cover the rentals of warehouses, shops or offices. It would, however, be claiming too much for the Bill to say that it would solve all the rental problems of the country. It was clear that office rents and rentals of all kinds must be dealt with, but not in a Bill of fhat kind. They must be part of a general stabilisation programme, involving costs, prices, rents, wages, and all other matters which could and should be controlled for the duration of the war. "We are dealing with a most important problem." said the Prime Minister, "and if weffio not take action we will inevitably land the country in disaster. I think such action will take the , line of general stabilisation, and if we do not carry it out we will not maintain the economic security of the country or the standard of living of our people." -v —