Government Will Use It's Power to Prevent Profiteering

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 5

Government Will Use It's Power to Prevent Profiteering

[Special to “Northern Advocate ” 3 AUCKLAND, This Day. The Government attitude in respect of profiteering was made clear by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan in a statement this morning. “The question of keeping prices stable in the present situation is one that is receiving attention. “I have been making myself acquainted with steps taken in other parts of the world to prevent profiteering and other unreasonable price increases. ‘‘Out of this information the Government has prepared its own plan in respect to steps that will be taken should the necessity arise. , “Up to the present we have had occasional reports in respect of unreasonable increases, but so far there have not been many. “We do not desire to go further than the necessities of the situation. “Should, however, there be manifested a disposition to exploit the public, machinery to deal with the position, which has already been prepared, will bo put into immediate operation. “No new legislation is required. Ample power exists, and the Government can do anything it thinks necessary by Order-in-Council. ! “A number of countries, some of [ them within the Empire, have had to take more drastic steps to prevent

—HON. D. G. SULLIVAN,

exploitation of the' public than New Zealand has taken and those countries are not administered by Labour Governments. “Some people who have voiced criticism through the newspaper seem to be under the impression that it is not permissible to increase prices at all. Consequently, the fact that there has been some increases indicates to them a breakdown of the Government plan. “They do not x’ealise the real situation. “Legislation that we have been working under up to the present time, of the Profiteering Act, 1936, is directed against ‘unreasonable’, increases, the term ‘unreasonable’ being defined by Statute. “If an attempt is made to exploit the community, it may be necessary for the Government to take the same steps as those taken by some other countries, and before any person can increase a price, compel him to justify such an increase before a tribunal. “I do not desire to take that step, but it will be taken if the position warrants it. “I feel sure the majority of business people will play the game. “The only danger is from the few who, by an unreasonable and selfish attitude, may create difficulties for the great mass of fair-minded business people,” Mr Sullivan concluded.