Reasons For Inquiry

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 16

Reasons For Inquiry

The meat industry inquiry arose from a Parliamentary debate in October, 1957, during discussion on a Meat Amendment Bill. The question arose whether abattoirs should have the right to kill for export, and the opinion expressed at that time by Opposition members (now the Government) was in favour of abattoirs being given that right under certain conditions.

The present situation, which has existed for a considerable time between licensed meat export houses (oi freezing companies) and abattoirs is that if an export house encroaches on the legitimate functions ot the latter and kills for the local market as well, the export house is liable to make a payment for every head of stock killed to the abattoir.

Termed a “hanging fee,” this payment runs into some thousands of pounds in some cases, notably in Auckland.

The second item in the order of reference is one about which there has been considerable controversy for many years. Under the existing law, freezing companies are required, if requested, to give to the Minister of Agriculture full access to their financial operations The Minister is also empowered to convey global figures and information to the Meat Board.

This procedure has been opposed by the freezing industry The third item refers to a trend which has developed substantially in recent years—the ?stab-

lishment of retail shops by freezing works The fourth item relates to the "open door” clause in the Meat Act, and to the killing at the works on “owner’s account." Claims have been made in the past that the clause does not work satisfactorily so far as owners are concerned and that its operation could be improved.

The fifth section of the order of reference deals with the law requiring any borough with a population of more than 2500 to establish an abattoir. A proviso, however, enables a borough to contract with a freezing company and delegate its abattoir obligations to it.

Butchers Seek

Representation

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Nov. 12.

The Meat Retailers’ Federation is ‘‘very disappointed” that a man experienced in the retail domestic meat trade has not been included in the personnel of the commission of inquiry into the meat industry The president of the federation (Mr H. S. Wallis) said tonight“We propose to lodge a strong protest with the Minister.” However, he added, the federation very much welcomed the inquiry It was also very pleased to see the order of reference covered the main points which his federation required to be investigated