Please Explain Asset Sale Switch - Peters

Rt Hon Winston Peters has asked John Key to explain why National's state asset sales plan has suddenly switched from repaying debt to investing in other assets.

In a speech on 26 January this year Mr Key confirmed National was likely to campaign on partial sales of the three big energy generators and coal company Solid Energy in a bid to pay down Government debt a year earlier.

Mr Peters pointed out that Radio New Zealand reported yesterday Mr Key telling a Kapiti audience .. "Funnily enough, we're not using the money to repay debt. We're actually using the money to acquire other assets."

"This sudden switch might seem funny to Mr Key but voters should be told which version of the asset sales pitch is true. There is a big difference between repaying debt and buying assets.

"The truth of the matter is that National always planned to flog off assets owned by the people to appease its backers and foreign interests. Mr Key is simply making up reasons as he goes along.

"New Zealanders will not be fooled," said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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