DUMPING OF BUTTER

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28429, 8 November 1957, Page 9

DUMPING OF BUTTER

N.Z. Complaint At ! F.A.O. Talks j

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) ‘ (Rec. 8 p.m.) ROME, Nov. 6. J New Zealand today complained, about the dumping of subsidised butter by some countries, in the international markets when the Dominion’s Deputy DirectorGeneral of Agriculture (Mr R. B. Tennent) addressed the 74-nation plenary conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation at Rome. Mr Tennent emphasised the serious position facing the dairy industry of New Zealand and other countries as a result of the artifical boosting of the production of butter and its subsidised export in what he termed “everincreasing quantities.”

He urged F.A.O. to investigate whether its principles on surplus disposal to avoid unfair competition were being observed by all members.

He said this practice was having “pernicious effects” on New Zealand, which was 12,000 miles away, and on other countries which, like New Zealand, depended on the export of their primary products. Mr Tennent said New Zealand welcomed the general effort of European countries to draw together in a common market and a free trade area, but he added: “We are concerned that there may be discrimination against outside countries.”

The Australian delegate, Mr J. V. Moroney, Secretary of the Department of Primary Industry, said the solution to the food surplus problem lay in increasing consumption rather than restricting output in areas where food could be economically produced. This was Australia’s belief, in common with most other delegations.

Mr Moroney said that Australia was trying to ensure that surpluses would be moved under conditions that resulted in the least possible disturbance to regular commercial marketing while at the same time creating, if possible, an additional demand for the products concerned.

Australia well understood and appreciated New Zealand’s concern about the effects of certain export subsidies on her traditional markets.