ATTACK ON I.M.D.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22320, 3 May 1947, Page 6

ATTACK ON I.M.D.

OBJECT NOT ACHIEVED PROTEST BY MERCHANTS “There is always a. temptation to regard losses easily when the public purse can be used to meet deficiencies, but losses would not be incurred if the Internal Marketing Division , adhered to the original idea that it was to be a supervising authority which would utilise the normal channels of trade, watching, the consumers’ interests to make sure that fruit and vegetables would be. plentiful and cheap,” states the New Zealand Fruit and Produce Merchants and Auctioneers’ Federation. “Consumers have been sadly disappointed because another phase of State control, the imposition of ceiling prices, has also helped to dispose of the 'cheap and plenty’ ideal,” continues the federation's statement. “There is no minimum price for most lines, except a few grown under contract. As -the maximum official nriccs have discouraged full production, the general experience oi the community has been that of shortage because ceiling prices considered inadequate by growers have encouraged illicit marketing. A higher price has been obtained by dealings which avoid the recognised channels of business where ceiling ‘prices operate and income-tax assessments are sure to be made. “In view of its many disappointing experiences,” adds the federation, “the public is entitled to ask what the Internal Marketing Division is now capable of doing which privately-con-trolled business could not achieve at less cost, particularly if it enjoyed the backing of a sympathetic Government? The division, with State backing, also had £140.000 of public funds appropriated to pay its operating expenses—with what results?"