MARKETING BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 291, 8 December 1937, Page 11

MARKETING BILL.

PASSED BY UPPER HOUSE.

CONSIDERABLE OPPOSITION

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

The Primary Products Marketing Amendment Bill met with considerable opposition in the Legislative Council to-day.

Moving the second reading the Leader of the Council, the Hon. M. Fagan, said that the bill would complete the task undertaken when the guaranteed price was established and would enable the local market for primary products to be controlled. It was not the intention of the Government to become a buyer and seller on a large scale, but the powers taken would* fee valuable in the event of any national emergency. The Hon. J. Alexander (Auckland) said the bill was one more milestone on the road to Communism and one more gravestone to liberty of the subject.

The Hon. C. J. Carrington (Auckland) said the bill was sugar-coated for Communism, but it seemed futile to protest. Replying to the debate, Mr. Fagan said there was no relation between the bill and the doctrines of Communism. The intention of the Minister of Marketing was to encourage the efficient trader and bring the inefficient one up to a state of efficiency.

The second reading was carried by 18 votes to 11.

When the Council in committee reached clause six, which gives power for the fixing of prices and makes conditions for the sale of foodstuffs, Sir Heaton Rhodes moved an amendment to make the clause inoperative for trade between two primary producers.

Mr. Fagan said he would not accept the amendment because it was quite tinnecessary. The Government did not intend to apply the powers it was taking to any industry unless those engaged in that, industry asked to be covered by the Act.

The amendment was rejected by 19 votes to 10 and the clause adopted. When the third reading was taken Mr. Fagan repeated the statement made in committee and the third reading was taken without protest.

The bill was passed.