British Comment On N.Z. Fears

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29713, 5 January 1962, Page 9

British Comment On N.Z. Fears

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, January 4.

New Zealand’s fears over the possible effect of Britain’s entry into the Common Market had been pin-pointed frankly by her Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Marshall, during his recent visit to London, says the monthly, “New Commonwealth,” in an editorial headed “What deal for New Zealand?”

The editorial went on: "Claiming that New Zealand was the most economic producer of dairy products in the world, Mr Marshall said she did not fear fair competition anywhere, but the dice were loaded unfairly by protectionist policies and restrictions of imports in other countries.

"He did. however, find hope in the fact that during his visits to Common Market countries he was frequently told by Ministers that dislocation of New Zealand's tra-

ditional trading arrangements was not contemplated or desired.

“It was, he said, generally agreed that New Zealand’s dependence on the British market created a special position which might justify special measures.’’ The magazine added that at present over 90 per cent, of. New Zealand’s exports of meat and dairy products were sold to Britain.

New markets were being found elsewhere and trade missions have been busy in South America, the Middle East, South-east Asia, the Far East and Central America, “but it is not expected that they will absorb much more than a natural increase in production, leaving New Zealand just as dependent upon the British market.

"What sort of arrangements can be made with Common Market countries anxious to expand their own exports of primary products is the hub of the problem so far as Commonwealth interests are concerned,” the article said.

Referring to the appointments of Mr K. L. Press as Minister to the E.E.C. and Mr D. W. Woodward as Economic Counsellor in Paris, the “New Commonwealth” says New Zealand lost no time in taking steps to protect her trading interests with the Common Market countries. "All this underlines the close trade and economic ties that exist between New Zealand and Britain. With their intimate knowledge of New Zealand's trade relations with Britain, those two officers will be able to smooth any trouble which may crop up in the future.”