EXPORT POOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23471, 7 October 1939, Page 15

EXPORT POOL

MEAT AND WOOL ANNUAL PRICE FIXATION SPECIAL/ ACCOUNT PLANNED PRODUCTION COSTS ASPECT An amplification of the intentions of the Government in operating the export pool for meat and wool to supply Britain during the Avar, as indicated by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, at a recent conference of exporters in Wellington, was given by an Auckland exporter yesterday. He said Mr. Nash explained that existing connections with other countries might have to be severed, even at tlio expense of New Zealand exporters. Prices would be fixed annnaliy, according to Mr. Nash. It had been agreed that, in the event of production costs varying more than 10 per cent within a year, the prico would bo reviewed. It was suggested that the British Government would * supply essential export materials to New Zealand at the prices ruling at tho outbreak of war. The exporter said Mr. Nash seemed to think that it would bo essential for tho successful operation of tho scheme for tho Government to tako complete control of exportable products, part of which were required by Britain. Tlio portion required woidd bo sold to Britain at a prico to be arranged, after which producers in New Zealand might be permitted to sell the balance on behalf of tho Government to other countries. "We were told that the pioceeds from all sales in Britain and elsewhere would be paid into a special account, and apportioned equally to suppliers at intervals," tho exporter added. MEAT NEGOTIATIONS REASONS FOR THE DELAY AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCEMENT A statement on the negotiations for tho purchaso of Australian meat by tho British Government has been made by Mr. A. C. Fisken, chairman of tho Australian Meat Board. Mr. Fisken said: —"Following a series of committee meetings held in Melbourne from August 25 to 80, and in Sydney on September 4 and 5, the full board met at Canberra on September 11 and 13, and submitted proposals to tho Minister of Commerce, which were cabled that night to London for consideration by the British Government. "Subsequent cables indicated that it was considered desirable that contracts should be simultaneously negotiated and finalised with other supplying countries in order to conserve a. relative price basis and also a similarity of conditions.

"Negotiations so far have not reached finality because, to date, ono large supplying country has not submitted its proposals. Pressuro has been brought to bear on this other supplier to formulate its proposals immediately, as it is realised that every day's delay accentuates the confusion that exists within the industry in Australia."