MEAT MARKET

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 57, 19 February 1935, Page 5

MEAT MARKET

“BEEF BOUND TO SINK” Unless Conditions Improve PRODUCTION AND PRICES (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 19, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. “The Times” says conditions in the meat market are such that homegrown beef is bound to sink unless they can be improved. Beef in England and Wales accounts for 35 per cent, of tho total agricultural production and in Scotland 54 per cent. Mr. S. M. Bruce, at tho world conference, said it was a confession of bankruptcy of statesmanship to restrict consumption when so many have needs unsatisfied, but it is hopeless both for Britain and the Dominions if agricultural prices are allowed to collapse below the cost of production. During the discussions with Mr. J. A. Lyons (Australia) and other Dominions Prime Ministers in the spring coherent converging policies must be fiamed reconciling the restoration of British agriculture and the home market for British goods with the development of the Dominions and the interests of British exports. CONTINUATION OF SUBSIDY Discussion in House of Commons -British Official Wfrelww.) (Received 19, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 18. Negotiations with tho Dominions and Other cattle-supplying countries with a view to reaching an agreement on a long-term policy for the levy upon, or regulation of, imports aro still proceeding, and in the House of Commons to-day Mr. W. E Elliott, Minister of Agriculture, moved a resolution providing for three months’ extension of the subsidy which was granted to United Kingdom cattle producers in view of the low level of prices. This would enable the negotiations to continue in a friendly atmosphere.

lie pointed out that in the case of the Dominions, import duty could not be imposed without the consent of the countries concerned until the expiration of the Ottawa Agreement in August, 1937, and in the case of Argentine supplies until November, 1936. Negotiations of such far-reaching importance could not bo rushed. Tho trade and Imperial issues involved were such that it was vitally necessary that supplying countries should feel that every possible consideration was being given their views.

Tho Government’s policy in regard to food supplies was to encourage the maximum supply of produce to consumers at the lowest prices, consistent with reasonable remuneration to home producers. That policy hud succeeded, and food consumption was going up.

Mr. Elliott mentioned that the public taste was turning from beef to other forms of meat, and said that suppliers should notice that the beef market was actually shrinking.

Mr. Addison, following Mr Elliot, said that Labour did not object to producers getting a fair price for their products, but the vote itself showed that tho idea of bringing this about by limitation of supplies had broken down. The real aim should bo the stimulation of demand. Any scheme for the stabilisation of production should be associated "with control ot distribution and prices through a Government Import Board, which v. ould safeguard tho consumer. Arbitrary restriction of supplies was bound to irritate tho Dominions, and hud air.- !y proved futile. ATTITUDE OF DOMINIONS (Received 19,11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. The “Sun-Herald” says: It is understood that Canada, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia have advised the “fit' h Government of their willingness Io aci-epi n levy on all meat. New Zealand v. ill accept a levy on beef, but not mutton and lamb, which will ■ es . ate a very heavy levy on beef, because mutton and lamb produce - venue This might not be acceptable io Australia. JUBILEE AND MEAT Mr. Forbes Expected to Visit London (By Telegraph-Frees Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 19 Although no decision has yet been made concerning New Zealand’s representation at the King’s silver jubilee celebration in May, it is expected that the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, will visit London for that purpose.

Mr. Forbes has already indicated that he anticipates being able to make an official announcement shortly, and this will probably bo done when the session is a little more advanced. Tho indications are that the session will end before the end of March, and he would not need to leave the. Dominion before then. If Mr. Forbes goes to London he will also probably confer with the British Government on the meat question. In that, case it is possible he will need to be accompanied by a staff of experts, and ariangements will have to be made lor the closest consultation between him and New Zealad interests while the negotiations aro in progress in London.