MUST HAVE A PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 70, 23 March 1934, Page 8

MUST HAVE A PLAN

DAIRY INDUSTRY

PROPOSED DELEGATION

BOARD TO, CONSIDER

Discussions between Cabinet and members of the Dairy Board in reference to the proposal to send a delegation to England to discuss questions affecting the dairy industry with the British Government and British farmers, were continued today, and .when the conference concluded shortly after one o'clock this afternoon it was announced by the Prime Minister (the Et. Hon. G. W. Forbes) that the Dairy! Board would meet as soon as possible to discuss the nature of any representations to be made to the Home authorities. Mr. Forbes said it was realised that it was little use approaching, the British ! Government Unless New Zealand had a! specific plan for improving the position of. the industry. The British Government had made it plain that the next move must come from New Zealand, and the New Zealand Government felt that it was for the board, as representing the industry, to submit specific, plans to Cabinet before Cabinet gave its approval to the sending of a delegation. When the board had prepared its plan, it would submit it to Cabinet, which would then decide whether it would agree to the sending of a delegation. The Prime Minister, replying to a question, said the proposal wag that the delegation should consist of three members, one of whom would be a Cabinet Minister, and the other two representatives of the dairy industry. Of course, no definite decision could be made as to tho personnel of the delegation . ixntil the Dairy Board had submitted its proposals. Questioned as to the Government's attitude towards the proposed-subsidy of twopence a pound on butter, Mr.' Forbes said that that question . was wrapped up in the main question. What the Government was concerned about was the future of the industry, and it was hoped that it would be possible to bring about such an improvement in the price levels that the question of a subsidy would not arise. It is understood the Dairy Board will meet on April 12.