Aust, moves on N.Z. goods

Press, 16 August 1985, Page 24

Aust, moves on N.Z. goods

PA Wellington Australia has put cash securities (a form of guarantee and deposit) on four categories of goods imported from New Zealand. They were the subject of countervailing complaints under closer economic relations from competing Australian industries,, said the Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Moore. He held discussions over the 2'/a-year-old agreement in Canberra this week with the Australian Minister of Trade, Mr Dawkins. Before leaving for Canberra, Mr Moore said the decision by Australian Customs concerned him because it appeared to be based on a different interpretation of one of the important aspects regarding countervailing under C.E.R. The categories of goods were hand hacksaw blades, porcelain enamelled steel baths, refrigerated display

cabinets, and stainless steel tube.

The decision to impose cash securities was an administrative one relating to complaints lodged some time ago, Mr Moore said.

“It is also an interim measure pending further investigations and consultations with New Zealand and the companies concerned,” he said.

“Nonetheless, it is of con-

cern because it appears to be based on a different interpretation of one of the important elements in our mutual obligations regarding countervailing under the C.E.R. agreement,” Mr Moore said.

He hoped the meetings would resolve the difference of interpretation which concerned the link that, in G.A.T.T. terms, was required between the effects

of the subsidy and the injury caused or threatened to domestic industry before countervailing may legitimately be applied.

“The countervailing issue will not dominate the Ministerial meeting,” Mr Moore said. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Caygill, and the Minister of Customs, Mrs Shields, will also attend the talks.