PRICE OF FLOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3802, 25 January 1927, Page 13

PRICE OF FLOUR.

AUSTRALIAN RATES. ■; • WELLINGTON, January TB. Interviewed to-day on the imports' of flour the Minister of Customs (ths** Hom W. Downie Stewart) stated: “Careful inquiries have been made in Australia as to the accuracy of information submitted to the Custoiris Department on export prices, as compared with Australian local' home donsumption prices; The large difference 'between the export prices to New Zealand and the Australian home prices, sometimes amounting to £3 a ton as shown,in the newspaper market quotas tions, it is not confirmed by our inquiries in Australia. Moreover, it must be remembered that' the. export prices from Australia are for cash, ar-' fh<* local sales are on credit, involvi,- risk of loss for bad debts. ; Also, the- delivery of localeales are ‘atfixed'- price"'-over a certain.

radius, whereas the exporter has merely to deliver at the dock. “The importations of flour so far have been normal and not more than are necessary for the requirements of the Dominion. ' The position is being closely watched, and the dumping duties will be imposed by the Government whenever it is shown that the circumstances warrant .it- Allowing for the factors above indicated importers are aware that the duties can be imposed at any time.”