‘Break-through’ asserted by P.M.

Press, 22 May 1978, Page 6

‘Break-through’ asserted by P.M.

PA Auckland The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) believes the Government has achieved a breakthrough in its efforts to secure a better trade deal with Japan. He said he was placing great significance on an hourlong meeting in a Melbourne hotel room with a former Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Mr Suzuki. Both were in Melbourne last week for the funeral of Sir Robert Menzies. Mr Muldoon returned on Saturday afternoon and enthusiastically reported the meeting to National Party member attending the annual conference of the Auckland division. That the Japanese initiated the meeting was significant, he said. Mr Suzuki had discussed four trading categories with him — beef, dairy products, squid, and timber, Mr Muldoon said.

Fishing rights to New Zealand’s 200-mile economic zone were not mentioned. Mr Muldoon interpreted that as an acceptance by Japan of New Zealand’s stance that long-standing trading problems be attended to first. In the areas discussed, Mr Muldoon said Mr Suzuki had proposed “a small move” by the Japanese in favour of New Zealand. While it was not suggested that beef prices would be lowered, the domestic price would be field at last year's level/ 1 Mr Muldoon thought it a significant gain when inflation was taken into account, Small concessions over dairy products, squid, and timber were also mentioned. I “It is clear they are trying to do something to help us ' with our J-fficulties,” he said, , when questioned. “I think that from here we can move forward.”