Discussions on Meat

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 219, 19 September 1934, Page 7

Discussions on Meat

Conference in London isi October CABLES NOT TO BE PUBLISHED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Ail announcement that the British Government was not favourable to tho publication of tho cablegrams which had passed between New Zealand and Britain on the question of meat import restrictions was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), who also confirmed the announcement that the chairman of the Meat Board (Mr. D. Jones) was proceeding to England to take part in the negotiations at Home. “The Government has been engaged in discussions with his Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, both by interchange of cablegrams and through the personal attendance of tho High Commissioner in London,” said Mr. Forbes. “Wc have also been in close and constant touch with the Meat Producers’ Board, and, to the extent that dairy farmers are directly concerned, we have arranged consultations between the two boards. “It has been our desire, at tho earliest possible date, to facilitate a full discussion on this many-sided problem in Parliament; and to this end wo asked his Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom to concur in the release of telegrams. However, their reply states that, for reasons which havo been indicated to us, but which need not. be discussed, they do not desire publication of tho telegrams. Under ttic circumstances, the Government has replied —and wc have no doubt that Parliament and the country will eonqur in tho reply —that wo do not wish to press for publication of the confidential telegrams at the present time. “It might also be mentioned that further discussions on the meat question will take place in London about the middle of October between representatives of the United Kingdom Government and tho High Commissioners for the various Dominions. “In order that the fullest technical and statistical information on the subject may be made available to (sir James Parr, thus ensuring New Zealand’s position being adequately presented to the Home authorities in these discussions, Mr. David Jones, chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, is proceeding to England, and will, with Mr. R. S. Forsyth, the board's London manager, be associated with the High Commissioner.” Mr. E. J. Howard: Is he going at the State’s expense? Mr. Forbes: Ho is being scut by the board. Mr. W. J. Poison: Will the llouso have an opportunity of discussing the matter? Air. Forbes replied that tho House could discuss the matter at any time, and perhaps some arrangement could be made for a debate. In reply to a further question, Air. Forbes said that Air. Jones, as the selected representative of the moat producers, was well qualified to put their viewpoint. In the negotiations New Zealand would be represented by the High Commissioner, but he would have the assistance of both Air. Jones and Air. Forsyth.