Minister denies statement

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 3

Minister denies statement

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 17

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Carter) describes as “neither correct nor in harmony with my other statements and actions” a statement, attributed to him, that there would have to be overwhelming opposition to the wool marketing corporation scheme before the Government would consider rejecting it.

He was replying to criticism of the Government’s attitude to the Wool Market- ■ ing Corporation Bill by the chairman of the Combined I Woolgrowers’ Action Com■mittee of North Otago and South Canterbury (Mr J. D. Mcllraith). “A formal request was made to the Government by the elected representatives of the wool producers for the i bill to be introduced on terms suggested by the Wool Board,” said the Minister. “The question of whether the elected representatives of

.wool producers were correct i in making this formal request ito the Government is a matiter of argument between the (producers and their elected 'representatives, and as Minister of Agriculture I have no (intention of interfering, nor do I wish to interfere. “So far I have heard little argument that change is unnecessary in some form. “The bill has been referred ; to a select committee which I will hear, and study, submissions, and make recommenda- ■ tions to Parliament,” Mr said.