MEAT SUPPORT SCHEME

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27498, 4 November 1954, Page 16

MEAT SUPPORT SCHEME

Proposals “Fair And Above Board” MR HOLLAND REPLIES TO MR W-ALSH (New Zealand- Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH. November 3. “I cannot stop Mr Walsh saying these things, but I am afraid he is sadly astray in his statements on this matter,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) tonight, when he referred to statements made by the president of the Federation of Labour (Mr F. P. Walsh) about the proposed meat price support scheme. ‘fMr Walsh appears to be endeavouring to establish for himself a reputation as a champion uncoverer and publisher of secret agreements,” said Mr Holland. “A few days ago he made a statement that the Government had entered into an agreement with the meat producers to deny the public access to cheaper grades of meat.

I gave that statement the most emphatic denial I could, and gave the fullest information concerning the discussion between the Government and the producers. “Now Mr Walsh makes another allegation, namely that the producers had an understanding with the Government to hold up the prices of cheaper meat by drawing from the stabilisation funds,” said Mr Holland.

Everything in connexion with the producers’ proposals for a support price for meat is fair, square, and above board, and has .been given the widest publicity in the newspapers. “Mr Walsh now says that there is an agreement or understanding, and that I have not denied and cannot deny it I have already denied his earlier statement, and I deny it again. “The producers have submitted a scheme, and the Government will hold a conference with the producers in January or February to discuss it,” Mr Holland said. “We have agreed that the basis of any support price scheme shall be past price experience.”