Taxpayers shouldn't have to fund Hubbard Foods

Tuesday 25 Jan 2005

Rodney Hide - Press Releases - Other

Aghast that Hubbard Foods has again received substantial assistance from the taxpayer, ACT Leader Rodney Hide today asked the Government to seriously consider tax cuts for every business rather than hand-outs for the favoured few.

Today it was revealed that Hubbard Foods has received $183,600 from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise 'for consultancy services which will support a range of projects Hubbard Foods is undertaking'.

This latest government cheque follows two previous grants from Jim Anderton's so-called jobs machine. In October 2002 Hubbard Foods received $75,000 and a further $22,921 was granted in June last year.

"I don't blame Hubbard Foods for putting out the begging bowl. What business wouldn't take a free hand-out? But I do blame Jim Anderton for handing out hard-working taxpayers' money at every photo opportunity."

Mr Hide said it's important to note that any money given to the likes of Hubbard Foods is money that has been taken from other businesses.

"Hubbard Foods has naturally come out welcoming this generosity, saying the grant is going to help make them more competitive. But since when has it been that government cash will make you more competitive? I missed that economics lesson.

"If Labour wants to make businesses lives easier it should immediately cut tax across the board. New Zealanders are increasingly getting sick of hearing about Jim Anderton robbing the poor and giving to the rich," said Mr Hide.

ENDS

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