FOOD CONTROLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26691, 10 February 1948, Page 6

FOOD CONTROLS

PRICES AND IMPORTS GOVERNMENT POLICY DEFINED “ The Government has no intention of keeping restrictions in force merely for the sake of exercising control. Restrictions will be lifted immediately they are no longer necessary,” said Mr P. G. Connolly, M.P., representing the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Nordmeyer, at the opening of the annual conference of the New Zealand Master Grocers’ Federation in the R.S.A. Hall yesterday. There had been considerable criticism of the Control of Prices Bill which was introduced last session, and it was not yet satisfactory to everybody. The Bill had two objectives, to protect the consumer from exploitation and to assist the lower income groups. The Government appreciated the efforts of the grocery trade in overcoming their difficulties during the past eight years, and suggestions from the conference would be considered. “ New Zealand’s price structure is much more favourable than that of other countries,” said Mr Connolly. “ There is no real malnutrition, and prices cause no financial embarrassment to the consumer.” On the whole consumers were treated very v/ell by grocers, who kept their stores clean and displayed their goods well. The Government was especially interested in imported foodstuffs, aiming to import sufficient so that housewives could obtain at least some of the goods which had been scarce in recent years.. Imported Foodstuffs The position regarding imported foodstuffs was expected to improve during 1948, said Mr Connolly. Although the Government had hoped to lift the rationing of tea and sugar’ 12 months ago, it had been impossible as no stocks were accumulated. Prospects for 1948 were more hopeful. The- production of Australian sultanas, raisins and currants in 1947 was the lowest since 1931, and as only 4250 tons were imported from the Commonwealth, a further 1000 tons were imported from the United States. The Commonwealth Dried Fruits Control Board reported that crops this season appeared to be good and it was hoped to meet all requirements. Reasonable supplies of dried apricots and peaches were imported from Australia, South Africa, and the United States during 1947, but this year apricots from Australia and South Africa were expected to be short pf requirements. Shortages of labour and storms both combined to diminish the production of New Zealand canned fruits in 1947, and only 100,000 cases were imported from Australia. It was hoped to have a better local pack this year as well as importing- more from Australia. i World Shortage of Rice There was still a world shortage cf rice, which at present was limited to hospitals, ships’ stores, and the Asiatic community. Even in Australia, a riceproducing country, there was little for the housewife, and the Commonwealth had given an assurance that the New t Zealand consumer would be supplied as soon as rice became available. Reasonable quantities of canned fish were imported last year from all sources, but this year Canadian exports were expected to be reduced. The dollar position had reduced imports of prunes, but Australian sup« plies were hoped to be better in 1948. The 1947 allocation of dates was expected soon, and figs were available for the first time for several years. „ “As a member of Parliament I hear complaints that rationing is still <• in force although the war ended two years ago,” concluded Mr Connolly. “ President Truman has recently called for power to control prices and wages because he fears ‘ an awful crash,’ and we all know of the grim conditions todays in- the. United Kingdom. .Under the? circumstances '"we have no reason to grumble.” A