PRICE FIXATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 71, 21 September 1939, Page 19

PRICE FIXATION

PART OF A PLAN

REPLY BY THE MINISTER

"The member for Stratford appears not only to be ignorant of what is happening, but I don't think he has much desire to be enlightened,", said Mr. Sullivan. . "What he is anxious to do is to talk to his constituents and show himself to be a-'big noise'—a big man." ■ ( This remark drew a storm of protest from members of the Opposition.

"All I want to say, is- that I am getting offers from farmers' organisations and stock and station agents all over the country who are discussing these matters with me in a kind and friendly way," went on the Minister. "They say, 'We know that the Government and yourself have your difficulties and we will give you our help and cooperation to overcome them.'

"Compare that with the blatant attitude of the member for Stratford. All he wants' to do is to gather in political capital. If he will be as decent about the matter and give us as much cooperation as the people, he is talking about, I will be quite satisfied."

Mr. Poison talked about Star Chamber methods, but the whole organisation in New Zealand was an exact replica of the Imperial organisation established for. the conduct of the war, continued the ,Minister, and the. price fixation was part of the -general plan. J*riehdly conferences had been held in a good spirit, and while all the problems had not been solved,, good progress had been made. "I want from the member for Stratford the cooperation displayed by the Leader of his party and given by the, rest of the community," said Mr. Sullivan.

Mi*. Poison: You are the ones that are. making the political, capital. : Mr. Sullivan: You-listen to me as I listened -to you. .

Emphasising; that there would be no profiteering, Mr. Sullivan said the Government had already stated clearly that there wduld be no exploitation of the people of the United Kingdom and New Zealand.' '■■ . .

'"Are we to understand that the farmers are to be exempt, and that they are to be a class apart?" asked Mr. Sullivan. "What sort of position would the Government be in if people, facing difficulties said, "Why are you discriminating between the farmers and us? We have offered our co-operation and we also have our grave difficulties. Are you going to let the fanners go