Import controls

Press, 10 September 1984, Page 20

Import controls

Sir, — I do not quite follow W. Rosenberg (September 4) or M, T. Moore (September 6), who supports him. We already have import controls of various kinds — licences, tariffs, not to mention our exchange rate. In fact, while the previous Prime Minister spent much time overseas preaching free trade to the rest of the world we were not exactly setting the best example. We New Zealanders have long laboured under the illusion, and I quote Professor Cumberland (“The Press,” 1974): “Because we are a food-producing nation we are on the pig’s back.” It is difficult enough to sell our produce overseas without inviting further obstruction on the ground that we ourselves are restrictive. Possibly the greatest component of our present problem is that years of import protection and welfare patronage have made us uncompetitive both in cost and philosophy — she’ll be right mate. — Yours, etc., G. STEVEN, Clarkville. September 5, 1984.. /