Bill English MP
National Party Finance Spokesman

5 March 2008

What's your position, Dr Cullen?

National Party Finance spokesman Bill English says Finance Minister Michael Cullen has sown more doubt over his own policy to ban foreign investment in New Zealand.

Asked about his position on the sale of a stake of Auckland Airport to the Canadian Pension Fund, Dr Cullen has today refused to answer.

"Dr Cullen appears to have totally backed down from the position last night that Labour opposed the sale of AIA shares to a Canadian pension fund.

"So, Dr Cullen, is Labour opposed to the Canadian deal?

Mr English says Dr Cullen has single-handedly carved millions of dollars off the retirement savings of Canadians and New Zealanders who were seeking to invest in Auckland Airport.

"National is opposed to majority control of strategic assets falling into offshore hands.

"Any action that interferes with property rights should be carefully considered and professional.

"Dr Cullen has hypocritically challenged others to state their position but he won't state his own."

ENDS

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