Fed: What Stan and John Howard talked about on Stan s company

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2000
Fed: What Stan and John Howard talked about on Stan s company

The prime minister has revealed his brother STANLEY HOWARD first told him of problems
facing National Textiles more than a year ago.

JOHN HOWARD says his brother told him the Hunter Valley company he headed was in trouble
and had sought federal assistance.

Mr HOWARD responded he did not want to get involved but would see that the matter was
dealt with appropriately.

Two other associated executives spoke to him and were told the matter would be referred
to Industries Minister NICK MINCHIN but there would not be any special help.

Mr HOWARD says his brother phoned him either the day before or on the day the company
went into administration.

But he says the subject of workers' entitlements was not raised.

He also had discussions over the holiday period with Workplace Relations Minister PETER
REITH on handling of the issue.

Mr HOWARD says Senator MINICHIN was left to make decisions on their merits, and in
the end Senator MINCHIN decided, on the merits, not to give any assistance.

AAP RTV dep/mfh/msk/jn

KEYWORD: SACKED HOWARD TIMES (CANBERRA)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.