Fed: Howard responds to criticisms over National Textiles affair

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
Fed: Howard responds to criticisms over National Textiles affair

SYDNEY, Feb 15 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has written an open letter to The Australian
newspaper defending his handling of the National Textiles affair.

The Australian has questioned the prime minister's probity in supporting a Deed of
Company Arrangement as part of a scheme to fund the entitlements of 342 sacked workers.

Mr Howard's brother, Stan, was the chairman of the failed company, which folded owing
employees $11 million in entitlements and severance pay.

"The government wants the Deed of Company Arrangement agreed to as soon as possible
because on all available advice that is the speediest and most effective way that the
former employees of the company can receive payment of their entitlements in full," Mr
Howard wrote.

The Australian has suggested that Mr Howard's support for the deed raised the spectre
of his brother escaping scrutiny for his role in the failure of National Textiles.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is currently investigating the
company's collapse.

AAP pwa/apm

KEYWORD: SACKED HOWARD (CARRIED EARLIER)

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