MEAT QUOTAS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 68, 17 February 1939, Page 8

MEAT QUOTAS

EFFECT OF CUTS. ministertTcomment. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. “I can only say I regret there is to be a reduction in the quantities of New Zealand mutton and lamb to be admitted into Britain,” said Hon. W. Nash, when he was informed of the British Government’s decision to make a cut of 3 per cent, in Dominion imports. Mr Nash added that ho was unable to make a further comment until he examined all the facts contained in the cables in Wellington. The negotiations between New Zealand and the British Government had been proceeding since the latter part of last year, stated the Minister, and he hud been kept fully informed at each stage. Asked whether a surplus of production was likely to lie experienced in the Dominion, Mr Nash replied that it was too early at this stage to forecast the effects of the restriction, but if the British market was unable to absorb the whole of the mutton and lamb available for shipment from New Zealand the Government would be able to deal with the position in some other way. “I think we can adapt ourselves to the new circumstances created by the quota,” Mr Nash concluded. PREMIER’S VIEWS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb, 17. Commenting on the meat import cuts, Mr Savage said: “We have been definitely of the opinion that if the people of Britain could do with a lot more of our input we could do with a lot more of their manufactured goods. That has been our policy right from the beginning. “We cannot shape the policy of Britain,” added Mr Savage. POLICY DEFENDED. QUESTION IN COMMONS. Received Februarv 17, 1.45 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 16. In the House of Commons Mr Tom Williams (Labour) asked if Hon. 0. Stanley was satisfied that the restriction of meat imports would bring an increase in British mutton and lamb. He pointed out that the restriction of beef from Australia and the Argentine had not helped prices for home produced beef. Mr Stanley replied that the Government believed the restriction on mutton and lamb would benefit the home producer. The restriction was necessary to prevent an obvious glut. There had been a decline in the prices of home produced beef, blit this would have been more serious if no attempt had been to regulate imports. Questioned regarding the necessity for large reserves of frozen meat in war time. Air Stanley said: The Government thinks the best reserve is a flourishing sheep and stock industry in Britain. Earlier details appear on page 7.