PROTECTION FOR CONSUMER

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 2 August 1933, Page 9

PROTECTION FOR CONSUMER

INFLUENCE OF COMPETITION

REBUKE FOR TERM “INVADE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Aug. 2. The use by a witness before the Tariff Commission to-day of the word "invade” hi relation to the possible future appearance on the New Zealand market of foreign explosives was quickly taken up by Professor Murphy, who drew attention to the protection the consumer received from competition.

Air. C. E. Campbell, for the Nobel (Australasia) Proprietary Ltd., asked that high explosives and blasting powder manufactured in the United Kingdom and Australia continue to be admitted duty free and that foreign ho taxed 15 per cent: He said that if given that preference his firm would undertake not to increase the selling price unless the costs beyond its control increased.

Asked by Dr. Craig why lie wanted the foreign duty raised, witness said they heard rumours occasionally that the market might be invaded. Professor Murphy: Why do you say “invaded”? Have other people no right to trade beside your own trust? We all believe in international trade. Surely others have the right to come in for the protection of the consumer. I think you are in a splendid position and that it is going a long way to ask for a duty because at some future date you. may have competition. 1 think you are m a splendid position and do not need any more. Witness: It has been a very costly organisation.

Professor Murphy: I know. You nr a very big combine. If you have that market now and have another duty, what will happen to the prices? Witness: We are undertaking not to raise them.

Professor Murphy: You cannot give such an undertaking in those times of fluctuating currencies. Suppose currency were inflated. Witness: We undertake not to increase prices unless the cost of producing is increased. Professor Murphy: That is a different matter.