FRUIT CONTROL

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 22

FRUIT CONTROL

COMPLETE SUPERVISION PLANNED NO STATE ORGANISATION DISTRIBUTION THROUGH PRESENT CHANNELS [Pee United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 11. The intention of the Government to extend the partial regulation which has been operating in respect to imported bananas and oranges during the past few years was officially announced by tbe Minister of Marketing (the Hon._ W. Nash) in an interview this evening. The scheme now about to be introduced, he said, complete supervision of the importation of citrus fruits ' and bananas from all sources. Mr Nash made it clear that the Government has no intention of setting up its own distributing organisation, but that it intended to utilise the existing channels for economic distribution. “ The object of the scheme,” Mr Nash said, “is to ensure that adequate supplies of bananas and citrus friut will he available to the public at all times at reasonable prices, and a system is being evolved which, it is anticipated,, will bring about a reduction in the price of these necessary fruits.” The scheme in respect to bananas will be commenced early in April, and from May in regard to oranges. The whole of the arrangements in connection with the matter will be made through the Internal Marketing Division of the Primary Products Marketing Department, which is now formulating a basis for discussion with the trade.