MEAT EXPORT TO BRITAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 July 1934, Page 12

MEAT EXPORT TO BRITAIN

TOTAL PROHIBITION.

[PKB PRESS ASSOCIATION J

WELLINGTON, July 13. Mr Macmillan stated to-day that there appeared to be some misapprehension arising out of the wording of the recent Order-in-Council prohibiting the export of New Zealand frozen beef and of veal to the United Kingdom.

“It should be pointed out,” said the Minister, “that this is an absolute prohibition of the export of the classes of meat named to the United Kingdom. The Government cannot make any exceptions on the matter.” “The seriousness of the position now created by these instructions is realised,” he added, “and it is having the most serious and active attention from both the Government and the Meat Export Board in an endeavour to meet, it to the best advantage.”

SUBSIDY PROPOSALS.

WELLINGTON, July 13.

A copy of a British White Paper, which was issued on Wednesday, embodying the Government’s decision to pay a subsidy to the British beef producers was received by the GovernorGeneral to-day.

..The White- Paper points - out -that the action which has been taken by the British Government since "November, 1932, by its regulation of meat supplies, has been followed, by an appreciable improvement in prices, the sheep index figure of 114 for June, 1933, having risen to 138 for June. 1934. The prices of fat and store cattle in Britain are now below the pre-war levels. An important element in this situation has been the impossibility of regulating with exactness the total imports of beef coming on the United Kingdom market. Indeed, despite reductions in many directions, the total weight of beef supplies in 1933 was greater than in 1932. The British Government is convinced that in any long term proposals, provision must be made to cover, if the occasion arose, the whole field of the livestock industry. It is not contemplated that any levy which is later imposed would exceed one penny per lb. with a preference for the Dominions. Import duties on meat could be imposed only by agreement with the Governments concerned. because of the Ottawa agreements expiring in August, 1937, and the agreement with Argentina expiring in November, 193 G. It is intended that all sums advanced as subsidy to British farmers, including advances to cover administration costs, should be recoverable by the Exchequer from the proceeds of any levy which might hereafter be collected on imported meat and livestock.

MEAT AND DAIRY BOARDS.

WELLINGTON, July 13

In regard to the prohibition of the export of frozen beef and veal, following the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, members of the Meat Board and Dairy Board had a long conference, this morning, with a view to considering the position of those particularly affected. The Chairman of the Meat Board fully explained the whole position io the Dairy Board and the latter agreed that the position was exceedingly difficult and that the restriction proposed by the British Government on all classes of meat would be serious for all of the.meat producers. Further information will be to hand at an early date, and the two Boards will m£et again to consider the whole position.

A TEMPORARY RESPITE

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WELLINGTON, July 14.

The first stage of the meat export crisis has passed, but the feelings of relief have been tempered by the uncertainty as to the precise length o£ the respite, which the producers have received. Close examination of a white paper setting out the considerations before the British Government, which was released last night, reveals that major difficulties lurk in the future. This statement of the position makes it the clear determination of the United Kingdom Government, apparently at a fairly early date, to impose a levy up to one penny a pound, with preference to the Dominions, on all important meat, to provide deficiency payments for home producers, and coupled with this will be a regulated market. This scheme will be the subject of legislation during the new session of Parliament in England, and the postponement of its .presentation will allow time for’ discussions by the Governments concerned, without whose consent, incidentally, such a plan could not be made operative.

In the absence of an agreement, of course, the British Government could retort with a further regulation of supplies of all meat imports. Negotiations are now in progress between the different administrations, and in the meantime the Elliott subsidy scheme is to be fostered. Payments made under it. will be recouped from the proceeds of any levy subsequently imposed. , ... The Meat and Dairy Boards, which conferred yesterday) on the bobby calf question, adjourned without making any real progress. A further conference is to be held.

AUSTRALIAN RELIEF.

CANBERRA, July 13. The British Government has notified the Commonwealth Government that it proposes to abandon for the present, its proposed levy on the meat entering the United .Kingdom, ’and at the same time to bring in an emergency measure, which is to operate until March, 1935, and which provides for a bounty to Homo meal producers by advances from the Consolidated Revenue. This action has given relief to the Commonwealth Ministry, which is now ensured of a breathing space for two years in which there are to be no restrictions on the export of Australian meat. CO-OPERATION URGED. LONDON, July 13. Reviewing the Dominion tariffs in the light of the Ottawa Agreement, “The Times” says: “The tendency in Australia is to recognise that tariff protection has been pushed too far, and is hindering instead of furthering economic development. In fact, there is a growing readiness throughout the Empire to acknowledge, in deeds as well as in words, the value of reciprocal, complementary trade, built on foundations laid at Ottawa. Mr Forbes has asked the Farmers’ Conference to co-operate with the British farmers and thus to avoid disaster. This is the spirit which has animated

Mr S. Bruce in his recent talks in Australia on mutual helpfulness being essential to a solution of the problems of Empire trade and economic development.”