Denial that grocery items withheld

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33534, 15 May 1974, Page 14

Denial that grocery items withheld

A Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON.

The Grocery Manufacturers’ Association is concerned about recent allegations that certain manufacturers are withholding goods until price increases are granted by the Price Tribunal. In a supplied statement the association also said it resented the implication that so-called profitable lines were plentiful while there were widespread shortages of other lines.

“Grocery manufacturers are doing their best in almost impossible conditions to supply the market demand,” said Mr J. E. Roberts, chairman of the association.

“Any lack of supplies is being caused through unprecedented consumer demand, the world-wide shortage of raw materials, the long waiting time for local packaging materials, the serious

shortage of labour, and inadequate transport and storage facilities. To suggest that manufacturers are deliberately withholding supplies from the market is irresponsible,” he said. “Manufacturers would like nothing better than to see all shortages overcome, and are producing as fast as the difficult conditions will allow. They are certainly not in business to deny customers the opportunity of purchasing their products,” said Mr Roberts.

Representatives of two Christchurch grocery wholesalers yesterday said they had no sugar hoarded. The other two wholesalers in the city were reported yesterday as denying that they held back any stocks.

Petrol spillages.—A Nelson request for charges to be made by fire brigades against vehicle owners responsible for petrol spillage was rejected at the conference of the Urban Fire Authorities’ Association in Napier.—(P.A.)