FLOUR IMPORTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18920, 8 February 1927, Page 8

FLOUR IMPORTS.

DUMPING DUTIES. DEFINITION OF BASIS. As an outcome of a discussion by the Council of tho Chamber of Commerce last evening the ActingPrime Minister, the Hon. Mr Downie Stewart, is to be asked to announce how it is intended to arrive at a basis for the calculation of the dumping duty on imported flour.

Mr W. Machin said that it was no secret that the wheat-grower was not being offered the full value of his wheat on the parity suggested, as the buyers were doubtful as to what the parity would actually be. There was an uneasy feeling at present, and a rumour that there would be some modification. It would clear tho atmosphere and enable the Chamber to do a service to tho agriculturists if it went further, and asked tho Minister to define the basis on which it was intended to calculate the dumping duties. Mr C. HI. Hewlett said that at the present time the Chamber could do some little good in the matter. There was a big difference of opinion as to the basis on which the duty was to be calculated, and this was so serious that it might affect tho price of wheat, whioh was now beginning to come 'on the market. Mr J. 6. Herdman supported the suggestion. Mr Machin moved that the ActingPrime Minister be asked by telegram to state the basis on which he intended to calculate the dumping duties. Mr Norton Francis seconded the reaclution.

It was decided to include in the motion a request that the Government announce its intentions immediately in order to restore confidence. The motion was carried. The secretary, Mr P. B. Climie, said Mr Downie Stewart would arrive in Christchurch by to-day's second express from Dunedin, and a deputation might be appointed to meet him. In view of the deputation from the Progress League, however, it was decided to adhere to the decision to communicate with the Minister by tclogram.