Farmers Want Tighter Act

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30725, 14 April 1965, Page 3

Farmers Want Tighter Act

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 13

Federated Farmers viewed with alarm any changes in the Trade Practices Act which would in any way alter the existing provisions, Mr E. W. McCallum, the president, said today.

“Far from being too severe the present legislation is in our opinion not strong enough. Not only would we oppose any weakening of the present act, but we also consider that in many respects an urgent case can be made for strengthening this legislation,” he said. “Unfortunately, there are many loopholes in the present legislation- From a consumer’s viewpoint it compares unfavourably with legislation in overseas countries such as the United States and Britain where there are stringent provisions against practices which are extremely

difficult to terminate under our legislation. “In New Zealand today because of import licensing and the monopoly structure of many industries there is a serious lack of competition in large areas of our commerce and industry. Because of this it has been necessary for the Government to intervene with such safeguards as the Trade Practices Act. “The Trade Practices Act is our only protection in the face of a licensing and monopoly situation which has already loaded farmers’ costs and substantially reduced the real living standards of the people of this country.”