THE MEAT QUOTAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22269, 23 May 1934, Page 7

THE MEAT QUOTAS

BRITISH MINISTER’S POLICY DOMINIONS’ OBJECTIONS (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 22. (Received May 22, at 8.30 p.m.) The special correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, reiterating theplight of the British beef producers, says: “Ministers are still in constant touch with the dominions on the subject of seeking their consent to a plan to regulate supplies. If the dominions persist in their refusal the Ministers are determined first and foremost to look after the needs of the home producer. The Government’s choice of action lies between imposing quotas on both dominion and foreign imports, or insulating the home producer from the shock of abnormally low prices by means of price guarantees, as has been done temporarily for the benefit of dairy farmers. The second course, though assuring remunerative prices to the home producers and cheap imeat to the consumers. leaves the dominions to sink or swim in an unregulatedmarket in which prices might drop to any level. The Ministers will, therefore, continue to urge the dominions to accept a regulation scheme, guaranteeing them an expanding share of the British market and remunerative prices. The Ministers refuse to subscribe to the argument that there can be further drdstic cuts in foreign imports to make way for the growing dominion supplies, on the ground that this would jeopardise our own manufacturers in foreign trade.” The Daily Herald’s political correspondent says: “ The city is mobilising its strength to defeat Mr Elliot’s policy of additional quota restrictions on the Argentine and dominion meat. Powerful representations have been made to Mr Neville Chamberlain and Mr Walter Runcunan that the quota policy endangers the interest on British investments in Australia, New Zealand and Argentina totalling £1.000,000,000. To carry out his bargain with the farmers Mr Elliot must overcome the city’s objections, plus those of the dominions. Mr Elliot wants to reduce Argentine meat by 10 per cent., but this entails a corresponding cut in dominion imports, and is being repulsed by both sides. The Argentine tells Mr Elliot that if it is forced to make a 10 per cent, cut it will make a corresponding reduction in the transfer payments to Britain. The controversy is rousing much bad blood in all directions, and there is trouble ahead for Mr Elliot,”