CANADIAN BUTTER IMPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20886, 30 May 1931, Page 11

CANADIAN BUTTER IMPORTS

SUPPLY FROM AUSTRALIA.

MINISTER QUESTIONED

SHIPMENTS ON CONSIGNMENT

SMALL NEW ZEALAND EXPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received May 29. 5.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 28. During the consideration by the House of Commons of the agricultural estimates to-day a forme?* Minister of National Revenue, Mr. W. D. Euler, said there had been a- good deal heard during the election campaign about the importation of New Zealand butter.

Little or none had come from Australia, as tho dumping provisions had been applied to butter importations from that country by tho Liberals, while New Zealand had sent in large quantities. He had noticed, however, that, in April this year New Zealand exported to Canada about 700011)., while Australia exported 500,0001b.

Mr. Euler recalled that in December Australia had agreed not to send any butter at less than 32 cents. Was this yato less at any time than the prevailing price to home consumers in Australia? " While realising that a change should be made in tho Australian trade treaty," replied tho Minister of Agriculture, Mr. T? Weir, " I do not think anyone would feel it advisable to institute against a sister Dominion the dumping duty. I think we served the purpose just as well by taking the action we did."

That tho butter came on consignment was tho substance of the Minister's reply, and tho dumping duties did not apply to goods entering Canada on consignment. Mr. A. W. Neill (Independent) quoted Mr. Weir as saying that he had negotiated a " gentlemen's agreement" with Australia, which stipulated that no butter shonld enter Canada below 32 cents a lb., unless by mutual consent when prices reached what was believed to bo rock bottom.

Australian butter had been granted entry. Ho alleged that this had made matters "worse. Canada had admitted 500,0001b. in one month when tho market was already considerably below the 32 cents level.