TOBACCO PRICE

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 5

TOBACCO PRICE

Possibility of rise (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Nov. 18. A rise in the price of cigarettes could still occur, in spite of the price-freeze announced recently by Government. Although no wholesale or retail organisations have applications for cigarette price-increases before the Price Tribunal, an application by manufacturers was : lodged in August. The Minister, of Industries ,and Commerce (Mr Shelton) itold Parliament yesterday that “any application that is already in the pipeline will be processed.” A spokesman for the department said today that if the manufacturers’ application was successful and the .manufacturers’ price was increased, retailers would not be expected to absorb the additional cost. "Retailers would be permitted to apply their normal margin to the increased cost,” he said. However, no increase in the retail margin is possible during the price-freeze. Mr Shelton told the House yesterday that no application for increased prices for cigarettes and tobacco had been received following the recent tax increases.

Solicitor remanded.—Warren David Sisarich, aged 30,. a solicitor, of Karori, Wellington (Mr G. C. Kent) was further remanded on bail without plea to allow his case I to be prepared, when he; appeared before Mr D. J. Sullivan, S.M., in the Wellington;. Magistrate’s Court on Wed-! 1 nesday on a charge of steal-! ing $6900 by failure to 1 account. (P.A.).