No onion bag imports

Press, 27 August 1977, Page 23

No onion bag imports

PA Wellington No licences will be issued this year for the import of onion bags in spite of criticisms levelled at the New Zealand-made product by merchants and growers. The Minister of Trade and Industry (Mr AdamsSchneider; has said that the shortfall of domestic bag production which necessitated imports last year was unlikely to recur in 1977, and bag manufacturers were attempting to improve the quality of their products. Criticism of the bags had related mainly to the high price, and the tearing of labels on bags used for export onions. A new form of label integrated into the bag should solve the latter problem, but the price would have to be borne by users because of the need to promote the local industry, he said.

“If” New Zealand were to import all the goods

which could be obtained more cheaply overseas, there would be much less domestic industry.”

Mr Adams-Schneider pointed out that the bagmaking industry was committed to substantial investment in new equipment to provide greater depth of production. He said he realised that the price of onion bags was reflected in the price ultimately paid to onion growers for their exports. Nonetheless, the disadvantages of importing onion bags outweighed the advantages, and it was in the long term national interest that New Zealandmade bags should continue to be used.

The Minister said that because the Department of Trade and Industry would adhere strictly to the ban on import licences, growers and merchants should ensure a supply of bags at harvest time by placing their orders with bagmakers now.