Freeing of dairy imports urged

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33065, 4 November 1972, Page 21

Freeing of dairy imports urged

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 3.

All remaining restrictions on imports of dairy products into New Zealand should be removed, according to the Dairy Board.

In a written submission, the board urged the Tariff and Development Board to exempt all dairy porducts from import licensing to strengthen . New Zealand’s position when negotiating overseas for freer access to markets.

In 1965 the board asked ■ the Government, on behalf of the co-operative dairy industry, to remove all dairy products from import licensing while providing safeguards against dumping. The action taken by the Government at that time left only condensed milk and cream and milk powders under import control The Tariff and Development Board is now considering removing restrictions on

imports of condensed milk and cream, but not on milk powders, the Dairy Board said.

“On every possible occasion overseas we urge the maximum liberalisation of trade,’’ said the deputy chairman of the dairy board (Mr A. L. Friis). “It is up to us as a country to set the example. “Since import restrictions on fancy cheeses were removed seven years ago, cheese from Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Britain, Australia and others among our competitors have been imported and are on sale everywhere. “The competition has done us no harm—quite the reverse. It has given general satisfaction to consumers and stimulated interest in cheese to the benefit of the dairy industry.’’