N.Z. BUTTER AND CHEESE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26986, 11 March 1953, Page 9

N.Z. BUTTER AND CHEESE

Britain Unwilling To Take All Surplus

(Rfec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, March 9. The Minister of Food (Mr G. Lloyd George) told the House of Commons today that it was not the opportune moment to commit Britain 'to buying all New Zealand’s cheese and butter surpluses for so long a period as 15 years.

The Minister was replying to questions on the recent statement of the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holland) who complained that Britain would not agree to an arrangement of this sort.

Dr. Barnet Stross (Labour) asked whether it would not be helpful if the Minister assured New Zealand that her request for Britain to take up all her dairy produce for the next 15 years would oe accepted. Mr Lloyd George said that under the existing agreement, Britain had undertaken to take all New Zealand’s exportable surplus with the exception of some specified exports to other countries. He added that Britain herself was making more cheese this year than last.

Asked if he would make a statement on New Zealand’s offer, the Minister said that after careful consideration he had decided, in view of the recent discussions between the Commonwealth Prime Ministers, and further discussions he had been having with other countries, that it was not an opportune moment to commit the British Government for so long ahead. Meanwhile, he added, the present contract to take practically all New Zealand’s exportable surplus of Gutter and cheese continued until 1955.

Mr Arthur Lewis (Labour) asked why was the Government afraid to assist both New Zealand and Britain by giving the assurance New Zealand wanted.

Mr Lloyd George denied that Britain was afraid to assist and said that under the present agreement it was open to either party at any time to open discussions as to the future.