FRUIT IMPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22961, 12 February 1938, Page 14

FRUIT IMPORTS

STATE SUPERVISION ORANGES AND BANANAS OBJECTS OF THE SCHEME STATEMENT BY MINISTER [by TELEGRAPH— special reporter] "WELLINGTON, Friday An official statement was issued today about the Government's proposals for the supervision of the importation of fruit. In the statement, the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, intimated that the Government has decided to extend the partial regulation which has been operating in respect to imported bananas and oranges during the last few years.

"The scheme now about to bo introduced envisages complete Government supervision over tho importation of citrus fruits and bananas from all sources," said Mr. Nash. However, he clearly indicated that tho Government has no intention of setting up its own distributing organisation, but intends to utiliso existing channels of economic distribution.

"The object of the scheme is to ensure that adequate supplies of bananas ami citrus fruits will bo available to the public at all times at reasonable prices," said tho Minister, "and a system is being evolved which it is anticipated will bring about a reduction in the price of these necessary fruits. "With bananas, the scheme is being commenced early in April, and with oranges from May next. The whole of the arrangements in connection with this matter will be made through the Internal Marketing Division of the Primary Products Marketing Department, which is. now formulating a basis for discussion with tho trado."