DUTY TO CONSUMERS

Evening Star, Issue 19521, 31 March 1927, Page 13

DUTY TO CONSUMERS

FISHIER ON FLOOR EMBARGO TP'ek United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, March 30. If you can find disease in Australian wheat, we will place an embargo on it at once, said the Prime Minister to-day, replying to a deputation of wheat growers who had asked for an embargo on Australian flour. One of the speakers had pointed to the fact that New Zealand potatoes had been excluded from Australia. Mr Coates said that if it was found that an enormous^ amount of Australian Hour was coming in and likely to injure the wheat growers’ position in New Zealand, they need have no fear as to what steps tho Government would take. “You had no wheat in February, said Mr Coates. (Cries- of “Yes,’’ “Yes.” Mr Coates; It was not in time to meet the feeding of tho people. (Voices: “You’re wrong.”) Mr Coates said 'that since then the imports had fallen to a negligible quantity. New Zealand wheat growers should have a fair chance, but the Government also had a duty to the consumers.

Replying to questions asked by the deputation, Mr Coates said it was the intention of the Government to give notice now of tho Customs increase it was proposed to levy on Australian flour. The Government also agreed to obtain all'the available information regarding the wheat and flour industry.