MARKETING BILL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22435, 3 June 1936, Page 19

MARKETING BILL

INTEREST IN LONDON "WAIT AND SEE" POLICY [from our own correspondent] LONDON, May 13 A policy of "wait and see" is being adopted by Tooley Street merchants with regard to the Primary Products Marketing Bill, following its announcement in London. There is no lack of evidence that the New Zealand bill has created widespread interest, but both merchants and the press are awaiting more detailed knowledge of its provisions before venturing to comment at any length upon it. "It appears to be the most ambitious attempt yet made at State export-trading outside Russia." was a remark made by the New Statesman and Nation. There is no doubt, however, that the debates in the House of Representatives will be followed by the trade in the United Kingdom "with some concern." "Nothing," stated the Grocer, "is to be gained by condemning the scheme out of hand. What is certain is that there will be a close examination of the details before the provision trade here promises support to proposals of this kind, which are certainly without precedent." "It will be interesting to learn how the export prices of farm produce are to be fixed," comments one newspaper. "The fixing of a fair price for the New Zealand producers may not ensure business in the export markets, and, as New Zealand depends on export business, the situation may become complicated. "In this country strenuous efforts are being made to bring about fair trading in farm products, but, so far, it has not been easy to arrive at agreements. Maybe if New Zealand suceeds in working Stnto control of-prices of all farm products, British producers will consider approval of direct Govern- < ment control."