MEAT RATIONING LIKELY TO END IN AUSTRALIA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22665, 16 June 1948, Page 5

MEAT RATIONING LIKELY TO END IN AUSTRALIA

(9 a.m.) CANBERRA, June 16.

The Federal Government will lift clothing and meat rationing from September 16 and the price of a wide range of commodities will rise if caucus, which meets today, approves of decisions made by Cabinet. At its meeting yesterday Cabinet decided to withdraw price stabilisation subsidies on raw wool, textiles, potatoes and milk products. The subsidies on other commodities, Including tea, will be continued. The rationing of tea, butter and petrol will be reviewed in October. The decision to abolish clothing and meat rationing was made directly as a result of the recent overwhelming defeat of the prices referendum. The Government has accepted the verdict as a direction from the people for the abolition as quickly as possible of all wartime controls.

The removal of meat rationing was decided upon after the Ministers were assured that supplies for the , home market were adequate and the present rate of export on behalf of Britain could be maintained. Cabinet decided to retain butter, petrol and tea rationing because of the supply position and Australia’s commitments to Britain.

The subsidies on tea and butter will also be maintained because their removal would adversely affect household budgets.