NO THREAT SEEN IN E.E.C.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29555, 3 July 1961, Page 10

NO THREAT SEEN IN E.E.C.

N.Z. Could Benefit, Minister’s View Contrary to current anxieties, New Zealand could benefit from an agreement between England and the six members of the Eurooeen Common Market, the Minister of Transport <Mr McAlpine) said on Saturday Speaking at the opening of a community ball at Rokeby <near Ashburton). Mr McAlpine assured those presen’ that, providing New Zealand maintained its cost structure, it couW become financially better off if Britain did join the E.E.C. “New Zeeland should have an equal right to sell its products into the E.E.C to repteee sotoe of the primary produce now provided by rural workers in such countries as Germany, which will undoubtedly wish to expand industrial production at the expense of primary goods.” he said. Emphasising that he was expressing his own personal views, and not committing rhe Government in any way, Mr McAlpine said he felt sure that Britain would become a member of the E.E.C. If she did. New Zealand could quite easily find a market for its products within the group, he said. "Britain has not bought one pound of butter, one bale of wool, or one earease that she hasn't been able to consume I am not one who is unduly afraid of the future." said Mr McAlpine.