THE E.E.C.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29798, 14 April 1962, Page 6

THE E.E.C.

Vast Potential Of France France had a vast potential for agricultural production, Dr. J. D. Stewart, senior lecturer in agricultural economics at Lincoln College, said in an address on the community to members of the Banks Peninsula branch of Federated Farmers at a field day last week at Le Bons Bay. There was 52m acres of arable land in France, which had hardly felt the touch of modern agriculture, compared with New Zealand’s 2%m acres of arable land and Britain’s 17m acres, Dr, Stewart said. “France has never been very keen on co-operating with Britain,” he said. “The only reason for France being amenable to Britain’s accession to the E.E.C. is gaining access to the British market for agricultural products.” While it was said the higher prices for agricultural produce would mean New Zealand would receive the same amount of money for a smaller quantity, the target prices were so high they could have a critical effect on demand. The ration of butter consumption to margarine in relation to prices was well known, Dr. Stewart said.

Dr. Stewart said he felt In this the United States could play a part. Wool prospects were sound for demand from members seemed for a greater worldwide liberalisation of trade Britain would join the community—"with the United States with its shoulder behind her” and the only hope of the E.E.C., as the elasticity of demand for wool increased as incomes rose in Europe, he said.