FUTURE EXPORT POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21925, 8 October 1934, Page 10

FUTURE EXPORT POLICY

PROBLEMS IN DOMINION CONTROL BOARD SUGGESTED INTENTIONS OF GOVERNMENT It is believed that the Government is considering the establishment of a board of a few appointed members to co-ordinate the export policy of the various primary produce boards in New Zealand. This action, it is understood, is inspired by growing apprehension of tho results of Great Britain's agricultural policy. According to the information available, it is not intended to interfere with the normal functions of the produce boards. They will continue general lj to control the separate industries and to have more or less authority over marketing. However, the question of restricting output if necessary is regarded as a national matter outside the scope of a single board. The possibility of quotas and of import duties on produce entering Great Britain has raised entirely new problems for the Dominion export industries, whi<jh have always regarded the British market as an assured one. It was not until last year that quotas were discussed, the issue then affecting dairy produce. Within the past few months, the meat industry has been involved. > It is stated that the experience in the dairy and meat industries has suggested the need for a central authority to decide policy questions. The Dairy Produce Board decided against any restriction at all but it was later taken to task by the Government for its handling of the situation. Problems connected with the meat trade will be discussed in London this month and, in the meantime, the Meat Board, has made certain concessions to Britain in the export of beef and veal. The steps taken by the board have been unfavourably commented on by dairying- interests, which are chiefly concerned. In thiß respect, the quota discussions have revealed very marked over-lapping of interests. The Dominion is now emerging from the shelter of the Ottawa agreements and it is understood that the Government wishes to obtain concerted action from the primary industries, should Britain's policy of subsidising its producers involve demands on the Dominions. This might involve planned production in New Zealand, the control of which, it is believed, would be one of the functions of the suggested authority.