MEAT EXPORT TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22505, 25 February 1935, Page 10

MEAT EXPORT TRADE

PERSONAL NEGOTIATIONS MINISTER TO ACCOMPANY MR FORBES - MR MACMILLAN SUGGESTED (From Gob Parliamentary Reported WELLINGTON, February 23. The seal of confidence still attaches to the exchange of cablegrams between the British and New Zealand Governments on the meat agreement negotiations. The contents of a White Paper issued by the British Government were considered by the Cabinet to-day. It' was learned later that Britain asked New Zealand whether it would be agreeable to the publication of the Paper which relates to Britain's proposals for a long-term agreement to operate from tho expiry of the contemplated extension of the short-term agreement on June 30, The nature of New Zealand's reply, which was despatched to-day, has not been revealed, but it was stated that finality on the long-term proposals might not be reached for two or three months. It seems likely that when Mr Forbes visits Loudon in May for the King's silver jubilee celebrations he may be deputed to complete the negotiations, especially as there is the possibility of another Minister accompanlying him. • ' Speculation is active regarding the Minister on whom the choice will fall. The Minister of Finance (Mr Coates) said to-day that he would not be going, while the trip made to England by Mr Masters in 1933 would seem to rule him oi:t.

It is thought that Mr Macmillan will probably be selected, particularly as the meat negotiations most intimately concern his portfolio. The fact that he is_ chairman of the Executive Commission of Agriculture would not necessarily make it difficult to free him. The Minister of Agriculture was added to the commission a(ter the Bill had been introduced, as Government members thought that such a safeguard was necessary; buti it was always contemplated that the deputy chairmanship would be the most responsible administrative post as is the case, with the Unemploment Board. Thus, the Acting Minister of Agriculture would also be the acting chairman of the commission.