DETAILS LACKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23470, 6 October 1939, Page 9

DETAILS LACKING

PEICES AND PKOCEDUBE DEMAND FOR INFORMATION CONTENTION BY MR. COATES " NOT TIME FOR POLICY MOVE " [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL R EPORTER] WELLING TON, Tim rsda y The contention that the Government was taking advantage of the present emergency to initiate a major policy was advanced by the TU. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition—lvaipara) during the debate on the Marketing Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives to-night. The producers, he said, were entitled to know the arrangements for the purchaso of their produce by tlie British Government and there were numerous points which required elucidation by tho Minister of Marketing. "This is not a time for a major policy to bo initiated," said Mr. Coates. "It is a time of emergency and it seems that the situation is being seized upon by tho Government to initiate some pet policy. The produce of the farmers is to be taken at tho will of the Government and at whatever price it chooses to fix. Farmers Awaiting Statement "Just what is the Government's position in relation to the British Government and the producers of this country?" asked Mr. Coates. "When is tlie produce to be paid for—when it reaches Great Britain or in New Zealand? Is the shipping to be arranged by the British Government or the New Zealand Government, and what is the point of payment?" Every farmer in New Zealand, continued Mr. Coates. wanted to know what arrangements had been made, for they were all concerned. Tho producers were all looking for a statement outlining the situation and the procedure that was to he followed. Mr. J. G. Barclay (Government — Marsden): You cannot get that until the deal is completed. Season About to Open "These negotiations have been going on for weeks now and some information should be possible," added Mr. Coates. "It is of importance to every grazier, both big and small, to know what is going to happen. The season will open in a fortnight and the stock is ready for processing now. The same applies to pork and bacon. The Meat Board has all the information that is required in regard to the cost of processing." The necessity for some relation between the price paid to the New Zealand producers and those of other countries for the same commodity was mentioned by 31 r. Coates. He referred to the effect of increased freight rates, insurance and exchange, and the higher cost of fertilisers, due to the advance in the cost of sulphur and nitrate of soda. Farmers' Increased Costs The farmers were up against increased costs, but they had to carry on, and no one seemed to care. The farmers were entitled to know what care the Government was taking to protect their interests. "There is-nothing that frightens the producers more than domination by a Government," said Mr. Coates. "They should be made to feel that the Government is their friend and out to help tl.em. Co-operation demands collaboration. Has the British Government asked the New Zealand Government' to fix the price of the produce produced by the farmer, or has it asked the Government here to act as agent?" Mr. Nash: The British Government has asked the New Zealand Government to buv the produce, and the New Zealand Government will do that and sell at the agreed price. No Profit by Government

Mr. Coates: Is it intended* that the New Zealand Government should make a profit? „ , ~.. , Mr. Nash: No. not from tlie British Government or from the producers. Mr. Coates: Then the New Zealand Government is just an agent. Mr. Nash: I did not sav that. Sir. Coates asked to what extent the producers were brought into consultation. They were entitled to know what wa.s being done. The bill .should lin\e contained a clause providing for representatives of the producers to be consulted in order to obtain the best co-operation.