AUSTRALIAN CAR PURCHASES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28050, 18 August 1956, Page 13

AUSTRALIAN CAR PURCHASES

MINISTER DEFENDS AGREEMENT

RECIPROCATING EXPORTS (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 17. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr E. H. Halstead) yesterday defended the agreement by which New Zealand will buy £1,000.000 worth of Australian motor-cars. He was addressing the United Kingdom Manufacturers’ and Representatives’ Association. New Zealand had to find more markets outside Britain for its rapidly expanding farm and forest product surpluses, he said. “We will be forced to seek additional trade with other countries, though it must be done within the framework ui G.A.T.T..” he said. As a result, however, there would be no question of fewer British cars being imported. The United Kingdom already had 80 per cent, of the motorcar market in New Zealmd. "If the United Kingdom can buy our timber and timber products and is willing to do so—and she is not--you might have a case.” he said. “But Australia is prepared to buy our timber, so we are prepared to do business with Australia under the terms of the 1933 trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia, to which the United Kin dom made no objection at the time.”