N.Z. MEAT SALES IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 10

N.Z. MEAT SALES IN BRITAIN

“Increased Protection Not Acceptable” COMMENT BY “THE TIMES ” (N.Z. Press Association —Conyriaht) (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON. July 5. “The Times’’ said today that anions the topics to which the Commonwealth Prime Ministers would no doubt give their friendlv attention were the como’aints of declining prosperity among New Zealand farmers. Within the last week there had been urgent appeals from the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board, whose chairman (Mr J. D. Ormond' apprehended that there were forces in London working to destroy the Imperial trade □references. So far as the conference was concerned. his fears were exaggerated. “The Times” said. The Ottawa system, though no longer so fundamental to the economic structure of the Commonwealth. was still accepted as one of its indispensable supports. But an increase of protection, which some people in New Zealand were demanding as a reply to the supposed dumping of Argentine meat, was not likely to be acceptable. “The Times ’ said. Argentina had an elaborate system of differential exchange rates, but those affecting the meat trade were so adjusted that exports subsidised the home market, and not vice versa, it said. Consequently, the reproach of “dumping” could not be sustained. “Free But Fair Competition” New Zealand had a guarantee of free entry for an unlimited quantity of meat/ which would increase. But I Britain had given up the policy of I bulk purchase, and there was no prospect of this being restored. She would rely on free but fair competition. “New Zealand farmers have on their side, besides the goodwill of their fellow subjects here, an enviable reputation for high quality.” said “The Times.” The recent price of 290 shillings per cwt. for New Zealand butter looked a good deal nearer the enduring value than the present 335 shillings, it said. If New Zealand producers wished to hold their position in the United Kingdom market, they would have to adapt themselves to the lower price. The present price represented a large saving to the compensation fund of the New Zealand Dairy Products Marketing Board, which guaranteed the farmer a return corresponding to a price in Britain of 340 shillings per cwt. But the present price had also much reduced the demand, “The Times” said.