Premier’ Bill Bennett has ‘labelled a claim by Victoria “NDP MLA. Charles Barber - that -the provincial govern- _ment intends taking over MacMillan’ Bloedel as “irresponsible” , and corm- mented “T'm not asocialist”. Barber had said he had - information that the Socred government offered -$30. per share- for control of the forestry giant. "Whereas ‘Berinett | would not deny ‘the claim, he criticised Barber for being more interested in seeking headlines than im dealing with facts, describing the MLA’s statement. - “distressing”. Bennett met separately i in Vancouver on Thursday with the heads: of the in- terests involved in the: _ Possible takeover - Mac- Millaa Bloedel president Calvert Knudsen, Domtar president Alec Hamilton and the chairman of Canadian Pacific Investments Ian Sinclair. The premier had earlier said. he would be com- menting after the meeting but when he emerged from ‘the talks he kept reporters in ‘the dark, refusing to disclose how the talks had gone. _ Bank rate hits record high - Economic outlook gloomy. —_ . The Bank of Canada this week raised its prime lending rate to a record 11'% per cent, which was followed almost immediately by four --— major banks upping their rate to 12 percent. | The increase of half a per cent. is intended to keep Canadian interest rates competitive with those in the U.S. and support the sagging _ dollar. ~ s e But whereas Canadian businessmen are even more “willing now to invest money they ‘predict no’ noticeable growth in the economy this year. - A study by the Conference ‘Board in Canada. shows the ‘outlook. for the coming six months as having—little change and possibly wor- ‘ sening, in spite of i increasing. investments arising from stronger sales in forei: marke ’ Bank of Canada Governor Gerald .Bouey says the shrinking dollar will help ’ reduce. trade deficits in the long run but right now the deficit must be financed by capital coming in. _For that to happen, in- terest rates must: be more attractive here than in the U.S., he says. _ Vancouver Board of ~ Trade president Donald Sellman says the increases are necessary -and will continue until the U.S. economy stabilizes, A raise in prime lending rate to 12 per cent was announced by the Royaf Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Toronto Dominion Bank and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Thursday. Mortgage rates, however, are not expected to rise at this time as there is still cient . tending _ money available. e The Great Book Sale? ex ery thing ima the | store Entire month of January? Readers Retreat Vy westlynn mall "5 985-7616 collectio Bute & Davie, Vancouver. 684-3397 Davie & Bidwell, Vancouver, 688-4831 Park Royal, (Woodward's side opposite Mappin's) West Vancouver, 922-7411 North Vancouver, 985-5535 Beautiful party fashions - And warm winter wear. | Everything’ Ss on sale | now at | Smarty Pants New Year's - Clearance Just in time for New Year winter parties. A terrific sale on festive gear at your | Smarty Pants Boutique. With ‘savings up to 50% off the regular price. But that’s not all! Smarty Pants entire -Of-winter wear is on sale too. Shop now while} selection is at its best. Westview Shopping Centre, All he would say was “he had made. the gover ment’s position clear them. That- position is that any changes in MacMillan Bloedel must be in the best interest of B.C. and that the. the largest in Canada, must retain its B.C. identity. company, f Montreal - based Domtar’s offer to take over MacBlo, was immediately ikeover of : ‘Mac. Blo rumoured — countered by a takeover of Domtar by the B.C. com- pany. Bennett entered the ring after becoming con- cerned when Canadian Pacific Investments also offered to take over MacBlo. All Bennett would tell reporters after his meetings was that he had reiterated his stand. “I am satisfied with the meetings and I now believe 4 _Page 7, January 7, 1979 - Sunday News ‘that if they did not un- ‘derstand before that the parties clearly understand the position of the Govern- ment Of British Columbia.” Fitnessi is fun. — Try some. *