Transformer dumping allegation fails

Press, 25 July 1985, Page 18

Transformer dumping allegation fails

Blenheim reporter Allegations by a New Zealand manufacturer of transformers that a Finnish company had dumped its product on the New Zealand market for the Branch Riner power scheme have not been upheld. The General Agreement on Tariff and Trade panel which reviewed the allegation of dumping has decided that the New Zealand manufacturer did not suffer material damage. Since then the Customs Department has advised the Marlborough Electric Power Board that the dumping duty of $49,543 paid by the board will be refunded. The general manager for the board, Mr K. J. Forrest, said that the decision of the panel was vindication of the board’s belief that the

dumping duty should never have been applied. A submission had since been made to the Customs Department seeking interest not only on the dumping duty but also on the provisional dumping duty paid earlier but refunded. Mr Forrest said the interest would amount to about $5370. He said that the transformers were supplied by the manufacturer in Finland on time and at a cost of $90,000 less than those made in New Zealand. The shipping cost from Finland was less than it would have been from the factory of the New Zealand manufacturer in New Plymouth. Study Additional funds of $28,000 will be made available to the board for en-

vironmental studies in conjunction with investigation of the proposed Upper Wairau River power scheme. Mr Forrest said that the environmental study would probably be completed by the end of the year or early next year. Expenditure on both engineering and environmental issues would be planned in stages. A report would be presented to the board at the end of each stage. No unnecessary expenditure would be incurred should the viability of the scheme appear to be in doubt. Mr Forrest said it was expected that the Cawthron Institute would start the environmental studies soon. A meeting will be held with the institute later this month to finalise the programme.