FRUIT EMBARGO

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 7

FRUIT EMBARGO

DEBATE IN FEDERAL HOUSE RECENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NEW ZEALAND CRITICISED BY GOVERNMENT MEMBER (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) CANBERRA, 7th October. Speaking on the Orange Bounty Bill in the House of Representatives, a Government, member, Mr J. Lawson, suggested that a section of the Government members should combine with the Labour Opposition and compel the Government to admit 10,000 tons of New Zealand potatoes annually “as a reciprocal gesture,” with a view to ending the citrus fruit embargo. Mr Lawson added that it was taxing the credulity of members and growers to ask them to believe that the danger of fruit fly was the reason for the fruit embargo. Sir Frederick Stewart said ho hoped the interests of Australian potato growers would not bo allowed to stand in the way of an agreement between the two Dominions. A Government member, Mr A. Lane said the Government would have difficulty in explaining to the country its handling of negotiations with New Zealand—not only t.o the citrus growers, but to the consumers of potatoes, who were asked to pay fancy prices while the ban remained on New Zealand potatoes. The Bill passed all stages.