Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

9 August 2005

Prime Minister reckless with the truth again

Labour's claims of SOE sales plans by National are a complete invention by the Prime Minister - another attempt to divert attention from the speeding motorcade court case which casts her in a very bad light, says National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee.

"National's policy is clear and has been on the National Party website for weeks," he says.

"I would recommend Ms Clark take a look.

"National has ruled out selling SOEs. We detect little public support for such a programme and it is not required for balance sheet purposes.

"National would sell down some of Landcorp's farms from time to time, as we do not believe the state has a role in farming, but Landcorp would not be sold as an entity.

"Similarly, Solid Energy would not be sold, although National takes the view that a private sector partner could be an advantage, just as Labour has done in bringing DHL in to partner NZ Post in its courier business," says Mr Brownlee.

ENDS

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