U.S. MEAT QUOTAS

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32880, 1 April 1972, Page 2

U.S. MEAT QUOTAS

Legislation introduced (N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) WASHINGTON, March 31. Legislation to repeal United States meat import quotas was introduced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon. The legislation was backed by 48 members of the House, who declared that if it were passed, it might lead to lower meat prices in the United States. Such action, they said, was an essential first step towards lowering the high price of products such as hamburgers and hot dogs. New Zealand and Australia are the main suppliers of the American imported-beef market, and most of their supplies are used in processed meats such as these. Both countries have persistently urged the American Government to lift its quota restrictions, which were introduced after the passing of protectionist legislation in 1964. The repeal effort is led by Representatives B. Rosenthal, of New York, and C. A. Vanik, of Ohio. Mr Vanik said that hamburger prices in Cleveland, his home city, had soared 51 per cent since the Administration’s economic controls were imposed last November.

Exchange.—The Ambassador for Taiwan (Mr Konsin C. Shah) has announced ’he launching of a young farmers exchange programme between the republic and New Zealand. Two young farmers from New Zealand will go Taiwan this year and between four and six Taiwanese farmer graduates will come to Ne\ Zealand.—(PA.)