MARKETING OF PRODUCE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27089, 11 July 1953, Page 2

MARKETING OF PRODUCE

MINISTER DEFENDS LEGISLATION

WELLINGTON CRITICISM “ UNFOUNDED”

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 10. The Acting-Prime Minister (Mr K. J. Holyoake), defending the Primary Products Marketing Act against criticism by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, said tonight that producers had sought provision for marketing authorities composed of their elected representatives to take over the highly-specialised task of marketing their produce. “Jn these times,” said the Minister, “farmers have their hands full with production problems, and have neither the time nor the facilities to sell their produce individually. Recent resolutions by the Wellington chamber have taken no account of present trends in marketing primary produce. “The public interest was safeguarded under the act,” he said. ‘‘Experience has shown that existing boards and authorities continue to use the facilities and experience of private enterprise.” There was no doubt that improved and increased production must be accompanied by improved and controlled marketing, in the joint iftterests of producers and consumers, the Minister said. He was confident that the future would prove that the fears expressed by the chamber were completely unfounded.