Bill English National Finance Spokesman

30 April 2001

To get confidence up, bring taxes down!

The latest downturn in confidence shows that business is getting tired of waiting for the Government to put some substance behind its spin campaign, National's Finance spokesman Bill English said today. "Cuts in interest rates have not been enough to dispel growing concern created by the drought and the downturn being suffered by our major trading partners.

"The Government's was quick to get out the cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey for business, but has so far done nothing which gives business the confidence it needs to create more jobs and more wealth.

"Under those circumstances it's little wonder the Government's PR campaign with business is running out of momentum - the tea's gone cold and the sandwiches are starting to curl up at the edges.

"A reduction in the company tax rate to 30 cents, bringing it in line with Australia, would make all the difference.

"Reducing the company tax rate in the Budget would give some substance to Labour's rhetoric and give business a much needed confidence boost.

"Instead the surpluses will be ploughed into Dr Cullen's monster superfund, leaving business with no real reason to have confidence in the current Government," Bill English said.

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