‘Exciting News,’ Says Mr Holyoake

Press, Volume C, Issue 29662, 4 November 1961, Page 15

‘Exciting News,’ Says Mr Holyoake

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 3. The British Government’s announcement on butter dumping was the most exciting economic news for New Zealand this year, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told the House of Representatives today.

said that our shipments will not exceed 91,000 tons. We have given an assurance that we will not withdraw butter from other parts of the world to put on the British market.” he said. Mr Holyoake said it was significant that Britain should take this action on the eve of starting negotiations with the Common Market countries. The British Government had suggested that the proposed measures were intended to provide an equitable short-term solution—a breathing space for the next six months, Mr Hayman said. “They hope that a longerterm solution to the problem of surplus butter supplies on the British market can be agreed upon. “We share these hopes and consider that the steps now to be taken will give an impetus towards the adoption of measures which will bring about the long-term solution for which we have constantly worked, "We hope, however, that the British Government will not, in the absence of a substantial improvement in the situation, relax the proposed measures at the end of the six-«nonth period.” Mr Hayman said.

“It's the first real break i we've had economically and 1 we are deeply appreciative,” j he said. A statement by the Minis- ; ter of Agriculture Mr Hayman) on the British Govern- 1 meat’s announcement was greeted with loud applause ! by Government members. ' Many Opposition members joined in the applause. The Leader of the Opposi- ‘ tion (Mr Nash) said: “Tm glad to hear the news. It’s excellent.” I The Opposition agriculture spokesman (Mr Skinner) said , the British Government’s de- 1 cision was courageous be- 1 cause it knew it would increase the price of butter for British consumers. But he said he was very disturbed i that New Zealand would be on a quota for six months. ; New Zealand must not relax its search for butter markets < Mr Holyoake said the Government had agreed that New Zealand butter ship- I meats to the United Kingdom would not exceed 91,000 tons i In the six months, but this was in no way a quota. "Countries at the GATT i talks were asked to give the i estimated quantities of their i shipments to the United i Kingdom for the six months, i **New Zeeland has simply i