QUOTA QUESTION DEAD IN MEANTIME

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 8

QUOTA QUESTION DEAD IN MEANTIME

Australia-New Zealand “Talk” IMPRESSION OF AUCKLAND EXPORTERS Dominion Special Service, Auckland, May 7. • An impression that it was unlikely that the butter quota would be heard about for some time has been gained by representatives of the dairy produce trade as a result of the conference held at Auckland on Saturday, between Mr. S. M. Bruce, High Commissioner for Australia, and the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, the Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, aud the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. R. Masters. “Prior to the holding of the conference, the trade believed, a joint decision might be made affecting the quantities of butter to be exported next season by New Zealand and Australia.” said an exporter. “This was evidently the view taken in Australia also on Mr. Bruce’s departure for New Zealand. As far as the Dominion is concerned it was strengthened by the recent decision of the Government to assume responsibility for the dairy problem. However, the statement made after the conference refers to informal discussions only, and to thfe fact that butter was only one of the subjects discussed. Further, leaving the resultant negotiations with the High Commissioners only places the matter on the same footing as before.” “If it is true that no line of action was agreed upon, it appears that something must have influenced the minds of the parties to the conference,” said a trade representative. “It is reported that a cablegram from Great Britain was available, and the terms' of this, if announced, will probably supply the answer.

“It would not be surprising to learn that the British Government has informed New Zealand politely but firmly that the question of quotas will not be reopened until the expiry of the Ottawa Agreements. The British Government has a reputation for taking deliberate action, and once it has agreed to a policy it carries it out. Last year it was informed by the Dominions that quotas were not acceptable, so it formulated the milk scheme to help its producers. It has probably reaffirmed its decision to proceed with the scheme, and has informed New Zealand that there is nothing to justify reopening the whole question.” BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE Possible Line of Action By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, May 7. Information regarding the British Government’s attitude to the quota question which has been received in Auckland makes it appear that pressure is not being applied from Britain. The British Government stated previously that it was proceeding with its milk scheme and was not now interested in the quota. Information from a reliable quarter in England states that the British Government was very unlikely to take any further action until the expiry of the tbree-year period of the Ottawa Agreements at the end of the 1934-35 export season. However, it was anticipated that discussions would take place prior to the agreements expiring, but concerning the period of two or three years following it was probable a suggestion would be. made to New Zealand to accept a “stand-still” agreement while some restriction on foreign shipments was arranged.