Talk of reprisals

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32783, 7 December 1971, Page 2

Talk of reprisals

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. Economic reprisals may be taken against Britain for refusal to defer an import levy on New Zealand lamb of 9c per lb, starting on January 1, according to the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Carter) who returned to New Zealand today.

“If reprisals are taken, we are anxious that it would be done in a way that was fair and just,” he said. "We don’t want to be accused of acting in an underhand manner.” He would not elaborate on which type of trade would be singled out for reprisals, saying only: “We have a large and complex trade agreement

with Britain, and many imports are subject to favourable terms.” “MUCH GOOD WILL” The Minister has been on a five-weeks tour of Britain, Europe and Canada. After two bargaining sessions with the British Government, Mr Carter reported that "no

agreement had been reached on deferring the levy.” While in Europe he attended the conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation and spoke with his opposite numbers in France, Germany and Italy. He found a great deal of good will towards New Zealand practically everywhere. All it needed was this to be translated into trade agreements. Mr Carter’s message to New Zealand farmers was: "There is no need for pessimism in the short term, but there is some doubt around 1980. On butter it is felt that just two good seasons around Europe could fulfil the present shortage and put us back to where we were. "The price and demand for sheep meats are better probably than beef, but inflation in New Zealand might damage this. To stay in a good position the farmer must keep his costs down.”