BEEF IN BRITAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 80, 16 January 1936, Page 6

BEEF IN BRITAIN.

PRODUCERS SEEK ASSISTANCE.

REGULATION OF IMPORTS

United Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, January 14.

The National Farmers' Union passed a resolution urging the Government to carry out without delay its announced long-term policy of assistance to the United Kingdom beef producers, in view of the deplorable position of the industry. A delegate asked: "As the negotiations of the Government with the Dominions and foreign countries are proceeding in secret, what guarantee is there that we shall not be ' sold another pup'?" Mr D. D. Williams (chairman of the live-stock committee) said that when the agreements expired the Government would be able to impose a tariff or levy. The Union had received assurances of action. "We have seen the Minister to know if he is negotiating with the Dominions and foreign meat producers for regulation of quantities in the coming year," he said.

The Dyke of Kent, speaking at the union dinner in the evening, referred to the visit to New Zealand in 1933 of Mr T. Baxter, president of the union, as illustrating the value of co-operation. Mr W. Elliot (Minister for Agriculture) said that since 1931, home production of beef had expanded by 1,2;50,000cwt. Mutton and lamb had similarly? expanded. Producers' prices between 1932 and 1935 had risen 13 per cent, without a corresponding rise against consumers. The Government intended to fulfil its pledge of a levy or subsidy for beef.