Imports Research Defended

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30762, 28 May 1965, Page 1

Imports Research Defended

“Even if Mr Maddren doesn’t know what’s the use of information on comparative costs and prices of New Zealand-made and imported products, there are many New Zealand housewives, consumers and voters who do.” said Professor B. P. Philpott yesterday.

Professor Philpott, who Is director of the Agricultural Economics Research Unit at Lincoln College, was replying to Mr J. R. Maddren, vicepresident of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation. Mr Maddren, at the opening of an export seminar in Christchurch on Wednesday, had attacked the research unit’s project on the degree of protection afforded by import control to New Zealand manufacturers.

“Apart from its many disadvantages—now recognised by responsible manufacturers’ federation spokesmen—import control carries the major disadvantage that the consumer, who is supposed to be sovereign, cannot judge, as he could under a tariff, just what price difference he is being asked to pay in the interests of supporting New Zealand manufacturing,” said Professor Philpott “The ultimate aim of this research project is to establish the range of efficient manufacturing which would survive without import control, but still with the protection of a moderate tariff.

Only in this way can we ensure that the nation's resources are allocated to the most efficient sectors—efficient manufacturing included. “It is the intention of the research unit to establish the answers to this and related questions. At a university institution with no axe to grind, the unit will not be deterred from this aim—however much Mr Maddren and other vested interests may attempt to denigrate the work,” Professor Philpott concluded.