HIGHER MEAT PRICES

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 October 1939, Page 5

HIGHER MEAT PRICES

DEFENDED BY MINISTER [per press association.] WELLINGTON, October 19. The action of the Price Investigation Tribunal in sanctioning higher •meat prices in the Auckland distnct was defended to-day by the Minister for Industries and Commerce (Mr. Suilivan). The Minister also said that ■ it was considered desirable to defer final consideration of the local position until the export price had been determined. The prices of meat toi consumption in New Zealand would be based on the price arranged between the New Zealand and the United Kingdom Governments. Mr .Sullivan referred to recent statements concerning meat prices. He mentioned in particular a statement originating from Christchurch to the effect that the Price Investigation Tribunal’s action in sanctioning higher prices for meat in the Auckland district only had been criticised at a special meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Master Butchers’ Association. It was alleged that the singling out of Auckland for preferential i treatment was most unjust when the/ position of the butchery trade in other- 1 , districts was more serious. The Minister said that the tribunal had approved of a small increase at Auckland because of special circumstances. Because of these special circumstances there was no suggestion of preferential treatment haying been granted. The position of the retail butchery trade in all main centres had been most carefully considered by the tribunal; but. a decision had been deferred pending the conclusion of negotiations on the question of the 'supply of meat between the New Zealand Government and the United Kingdom Government. Mr. Sullivan added that the prices of meat for consumption in New Zealand would be based on the price ar-, ranged between the two Goverments. and as it was expected that the negoai-j a; ions would be completed at a very, early date, it was considered desirable in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance of the local market, to defer final consideration of and decision upon the local position until the export price had been determined.’