By PHILIPPA STEVENSON agricultural editor
Act leader Richard Prebble is seeking a snap debate in Parliament today on the apple industry's $50 million foreign exchange row.
The industry was in a serious crisis, triggered by the Government's ham-fisted deregulation, he said.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday that the Government preferred the
industry to settle the dispute over liability for the debt, possibly through arbitration already under way between growers and exporter Enza. If the row was not resolved the Government would look at other options, including passing legislation.
Enza could be put under statutory management, but that was not the preferred option, she said.
Enza chairman Tony Gibbs welcomed the comments.
"Statutory management would be a draconian measure and would be an abrogation of the legal rights of all parties to this dispute."
Chairman Phil Alison said that Pipfruit Growers NZ also supported a negotiated settlement and stood ready to meet Enza to break the impasse.
He said a quick resolution was necessary to restore some confidence to the industry.
Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton declined to comment on the dispute after yesterday's cabinet discussions.
