MEAT AGREEMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 108, 16 February 1935, Page 3

MEAT AGREEMENT

THE SHORT-TERM PLAN.

DISCUSSION BY CABINET.

(Special to the “ Guardian/’) WELLINGTON, February 15. Cabinet deliberated from eight until nearly midnight on the British Government’s long-term meat quota and levy proposals, which still are in the confidential stage. Interviewed subsequently Mr’ Forbes intimated that the proposals would receive further consideration at a later date. In the meantime Cabinet had surveyed the position generally and had devoted some time to analysing the proposals for continuation of the short-term plan for three months from March 31, when the current agreement ,expires. He did not anticipate that any diffifficulty would be encountered over the short-term arrangement, which would vary in some respects the existing agreement, owing to the necessity of having new allocations made. He expected that a reply would shortly be sent to the British Government concerning the long-term plan and animmediate answer was not required, and careful consideration would be given thg proposals in due course.

COMING NEGOTIATIONS IN LONDON. WELLINGTON, February 15. Proposals for continuation of the present short-term agreement for restriction of meat imports into Britain have been received by the Government from the Imperial authorities. The existing agreement will expii’e on March 31, and the cablegram now in possession of the New Zealand Government sets out similar terms for a threemonthly period up to June 30. “It has been made clear from time to time that New Zealand dislikes the principle of short-term agreements,” says the “Post,” “and is anxious to have negotiated a long-term arrangement that will make for stability and maintenance of prices. There is a feeling in Parliamentary circles that at an early date New Zealand will be obliged to* give consideration to a long-tei m plan which will not coincide with the views of Dominion Ministei’s on the related issues of meat restriction and levy, and it will not be surprising if at least one Minister is sent to London to take a personal part in negotiations there with the JAribisli authorities and. Australian Ministers.”