BOOK PRICE RISE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30216, 22 August 1963, Page 14

BOOK PRICE RISE

Cost Of Paper Reason (Parliamentary Reporter) Wellington. Aug. 21. The increased cost of paper produced in New Zealand justified a rise of 2d in the price of school exercise books which cost Is *d, said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) in Parliament today. Mr W W. Freer (Opp., Mount Albert) asked what action had been taken, or what action the Minister intended to take, to prevent these additional costs being passed on to parents. The increase, said Mr Marshall, was the result of a decision by the Labour Government to provide for the establishment of a papermaking industry. ■ Would the Minister have approved the equipment?' asked Mr Freer. Mr Marshall: I am surprised that the member is so critical of the consequences of actions of his own Government. Mr Freer asked whether the Government would ensure that the lower costs of production expected next year would be passed on to consumers. If the Government were in power next year it would certainly see to this, said Mr Marshall. Asking a similar question on exercise book prices, Mr J. G. Edwards (Opp., Napier) inquired why the new prices had only now become evident. Mr Marshall: It took until last year to produce the paper and now the stocks are reaching the retailers.