PAYMENT FOR STEEL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 204, 29 July 1939, Page 11

PAYMENT FOR STEEL.

GOVERNAI ENT SUPPLIES

Per Pi •oss Association. WELLINGTON, July 28. As the result of a statement made in the House to-day that the New Zealand Government was indebted to the Broken Hill Proprielary to the extent of £IOO.OOO. and that the company had refused to supply further steel to New

Zealand until payment for the material supplied was assured, the De-puty-Leader of the. House (Hon. P. Eraser) said he had been informed by the Alinister of Public Works (Hon R. Semple) that, insofar as the Public' Works Department was concerned, | there was absolutely nothing owing to the eonipany for steel supplied. It was true the department had large commitments to the company for future supplies, but payment was not required until delivery was made, and delivery was not called lor until certain specified distant dates. Insofar as the company itself was concerned. Air Eraser added, it had fulfilled and agreed to fulfill all outstanding orders placed in the first six-month-ly period covered by the import restrictions, but it asked that, before orders lodged during the second six-monthly period were fulfilled, credit should first ho arranged. Subject to this condition, the Broken Hill Proprietary would supply all New Zealand orders lodged with it. It was authoritatively stated, said Air Eraser, that the recent Press statement made in regard to the refusal ol steel companies to supply steel in fulfilment of New Zealand orders did not emanate from the Broken Hill Proprietary. hut from sonic other sources, and did not represent the company's attitude.