PRICE GUARANTEE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 208, 3 September 1938, Page 10

PRICE GUARANTEE.

FINALISING ISSUE.

DECISION ON MONDAY?

CABINET TO MEET.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Prime Minister, the Rt, Hon. M. J. Savage, stated to-day that the guaranteed prices for exported dairy products for the current season would be considered at a meeting of Cabinet on Monday. He added that whether it would be finalised or not was not certain, but in all probability it would be decided at that meeting. The delay in announcing the Government's decision on the guaranteed prices is due to several causes. Although the investigation tribunal was prompt in submitting its recommendations to the Minister in charge of the Prniarv Products Marketing Department, the Hon. Walter Nash, they reached Mr. Nash at a difficult time, because he is in charge of the Social Security Bill, which had been introduced and was going through crucial stages in the House.

As the prices are fixed not bv the tribunal but by the Government. Cabinet had to be fully advised regarding the evidence taken and the recommendations of the committee, as well as the Minister's own view of the position. This involves careful consideration by Mr. Nash of voluminous evidence. Last season's prices were not exactly in line with the tribunal's recommendations. Cabinet deciding 011 a fijrure which althAupli lower than the highest price suggested was better than the recommended minimum.

Owing to the Prime Minister's indisposition Cabinet meetings have been infrequent, but it is expected that Monday's meeting will be fully attended. The price decided on wiil operate retrospectively from the beginning of this producing season. C