FOREIGN RADIO SETS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21906, 15 September 1934, Page 15

FOREIGN RADIO SETS

INCREASE IN DUTY PROTEST TO MINISTER "I think this is the most illogical tiling the Government has done in the way of tariff revision," said Mr. W. A. Boucher yesterday, when referring to the increase in the duty on foreign ladio sets announced by the Minister of Customs, Mr. Copies, in the House of Representatives on Thursday. He added that a telegram protesting against the increase had been sent to Mr. Coates on behalf of importers. Mr. Boucher said the Tariff Commission, after hearing throughout New Zealand evidence concerning the radio industry, stated:—"ln view of the rapid changes in models manufactured abroad, the technological research which has to be undertaken, the limited market in the Dominion and the fact that certain essential parts have to be imported, the commission is doubtful whether it is an industry suited to New Zealand conditions." It recommended therefore that the duty should remain at 25 per cent on foreign radio chassis, and at 35 per cent on foreign sets in cabinets.

The Government, however, increased the duty on chassis to 35 per cent. Then, after further evidence was heard, the duty on chassis was reduced to 25 per cent, the duty on sets in cabinets being left at 35 per cent. Everyone thought the matter was settled, but now importers were staggered by the announcement that the duty on chassis was to bo 35 per cent and the duty on sets in cabinets 45 per cent, said Mr. Boucher. All these rates wero plus 9-40ths. Even at tho duty of 35 per cent, the total landing charges amounted to over 100 per cent. When the local assemblers of radio sets gave evidence before the commission they said they were getting 60 per cent of the radio business. Now, said Mr. Boucher, they wero obtaining from 75 to 80 per cent. Yet, in face of this, the Minister said it had been pointed out that owing to intense competition from imported sets the local industry would not be able to hold a sufficient portion of the trado to carry on efficiently, and it was being given still further protection.