Study of wine protection

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33032, 27 September 1972, Page 3

Study of wine protection

(New Zealand Press Association)

WAITANGI, September 26.

The Minister of Customs (Mr Gair) is considering a report from the Emergency Protection Authority on an inquiry into the New Zealand wine industry.

A speech prepared by Mr Gair for delivery to the Wholesale Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Federation was delivered in the Minister’s absence in Wellington by the Assistant Comptroller of Customs (Mr N. W. Laking). Mr Gair said he was also considering the place of New Zealand and imported wines in the community. “The Customs Department has closely examined the effects which the proposals, put forward by the winemakers, would have on the trade.” Mr Gair said he was examining particularly the suggestion that there should be minimum prices for import licensing purposes. “The Government recognises that the main problem facing the New Zealand wine industry at present is overproduction.

“Our present import policy aims at complementing the New Zealand production and ensuring that the consumer has the breadth of choice that is essential if the trend towards acceptance of wine is to be maintained,” said Mr Gair. “If a reasonable level of licence was not available for imported wines, it is doubtful if the consumption of local wines would be as high as it is. We must have imported wines, not only to give the consumer variety, but to provide standards of comparison with the local products.” Mr Gair said that he could make no promises of any reductions in import and excise duties. “Import and excise duties are traditional means of collecting revenue to meet the many demands made on the Government,” he told the merchants.