MARKETING PRODUCE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29474, 28 March 1961, Page 16

MARKETING PRODUCE

Likely Change In Legislation (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. March 27. The Government will probably introduce legislation this year to make overseas marketing of farm produce the responsibility of the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall). At present, this is both traditionally and legally a responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Gillespie). Although the National Party, in promising the new Ministry of Overseas Trade during the election campaign, did not define precisely its scope, it was assumed that this was to include agricultural marketing. Earlier this year. Mr Marshall took over this function. Boards* Reaction Producer boards, which have long worked with the Agriculture Department, are understood to be not altogether happy at the change. Although their relations with the new Government have so far been reported as “cordial.” likely legislation on overseas marketing has yet to be discussed with them.

The new Ministry, as with the recently created Ministry of Civil Defence, has not meant the establishment of a ndW department. Several departments have a hand in its functions, but primarily the work falls to the overseas trade section of the Department of Industries and Commerce, headed by Mr J. Moriarty. As well as being Minister of Overseas Trade. Mr Marshall is Minister of Customs, Minister of Industries and Commerce and deputy-Prime Minister.