Wool Decision ‘Resented’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30982, 11 February 1966, Page 1

Wool Decision ‘Resented’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 10. The action of the Government in referring back to the Tariff and Development Board the question of the import of light-weight woollen goods had caused great resentment among United Kingdom manufacturers, said the chairman of the Dominion Meat and Wool Council of Federated Farmers (Mr J. P. McNeile) today.

In a supplied statement, Mr McNeile said he had learnt on good authority that the resentment had been such that the manufacturers were endeavouring to make it an issue at the current butter negotiations. “The disruptive effect on our international relations must be a factor which the board should be aware of,” he said. “Wool growers throughout New Zealand are greatly disappointed that the Government has retreated from its decision on the import of light-weight woollen goods.” “The decision not to proceed with the import liberalisation of light-weight woollen goods has been received with dismay not only by farmers but by other members of the public, manufacturers, wholesalers.’ and retailers.” said Mr McNeile. Referring to the background to the original hearing in April. 1964, Mr McNeile said that the consum ing public, clothing manufacturers, and wool growers had all been concerned that because of tariff and import restrictions more woollen materials and piece goods were not available.

This meant that wool could not compete on an equal footing with other natural or artificial fibres. A great woolproducing country was being denied the beneficial use of its own production and there was declining wool use in New Zealand. “Copious evidence was received by the board at the original hearing and none was more comprehensively canvassed than that of our own New Zealand woollen mills. “This was pertinent and appropriate for the mills play a role in the economy of the country. The prolonged delay in the announcement of the tariff and development board’s decision caused considerable agitation to be directed at the Government. “Finally, the Tariff and Development Board reached an interim finding accepted by the Government that the import of all cloths 5J oz and under would be freed from tariff and import licensing restrictions,” he said. “Immediately came a spate of protest from woollen mills. The Government came under fire and to the great disappointment of woolgrowers has now retreated from its decision and asked the tariff and development board to consider new evidence being produced by the woollen mills. The mills had previously i been given abundant oppor- : tunity to present their case,” he said.