SLOW SUGAR DELIVERIES

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30338, 14 January 1964, Page 10

SLOW SUGAR DELIVERIES

Grocers Could Limit Sales (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Jan. 13. Many grocers may be forced to limit supplies of sugar to customers for a brief period, said Mr R. M. Barker, national secretary of the Master Grocers’ Federation, tonight. Mr Barker said the inevitable delays in delivery of sugar to the grocers immediately after the holiday period, coupled with an unofficial rumour of a possible rise of 6d per lb, had created some difficulties. “There is no shortage of sugar in the Dominion,” he said. “Some grocers, however, have been without deliveries for two to three weeks, but stocks will be replenished within the next week or 10 days. “It should then be possible to supply whatever quantities are wanted by the public. Meanwhile there is no need for panic buying by anyone.” Mr Barker said he had no idea whether prices would rise later or not. “All I know is that nothing can happen until after the Cabinet has met some time next week,’’ he said. “The Government may well decide to increase its bank overdraft guarantee to the New Zealand Sugar Company rather than to increase the retail price at this stage.” The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) will report on sugar prices to the first 1964 Cabinet meeting tomorrow week. Some sources believe there will be a rise in retail prices from their present artificial level of lOd a pound to nearer the real retail value, currently Is 4d a pound. Mr Marshall today held talks on the subject with officials of the New Zealand Refining Company, whose overdrafts the Government has been guaranteeing to maintain the present price. Mr Marshall refused to make any comment on the matter.