MEAT MARKETING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18633, 18 February 1935, Page 11

MEAT MARKETING

BRITAIN’S PROPOSALS APPREHENSION IN N.Z. IMPOSITION OF LEVY CONTENTIOUS POINTS

( Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Preliminary consideration lias been given by Cabinet, to the British Government’s proposals for a long term agreement affecting tho ►marketing of all classes of meat in the United Kingdom. Under the Ottawa agreement the quota principle was applied to meet imports to Britain, but it is understood that in addition to quantitative, regulation the new plan provides for the imposition of a levy of £d a pound oil Empire produce and Id on foreign. The proposals have been received here with apprehension, and it is not anticipated that finality will be reached by New Zealand for some time. Before tbe scheme is completed some feel it may be necessary to hold a conference in London on the lines of the Ottawa

gathering. In the. meantime consideration is being given to a second short-term agreement for the period from March 31 to June 30, - and negotiations on behalf of the New Zealand Government are being carried out by the High Commissioner, Sir .lames Parr, who has associated with him representatives of the Merit Board.

The most contentious point in those proposals realtes to Laconer pigs, and variations of the existing allocations are being sought. New Zealand’s exports in this direction have shown a considerable improvement within the last two or three years, and she is naturally keen that this growing industry should not he frustrated. It is unlikely that any serious difficulty will arise as the period of the proposed agreement is comparatively short. At the same time the New Zealand Government is anxious that finality should be reached as soon as possible.

ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION The all-important question is the longterm agreement and in this connection the situation is much more difficult. Quota proposals as formulated at Ottawa envisaged the orderly expansion of the British market at prices which would be remunerative to not only the home producers but also to Dominion farmers. The idea was to bring meat imports to the United Kingdom into closer relationship with the effective demand, and once tiiis had been achieved to develop the Empire trade on a higher price level. As far as meat is concerned considerable' progress has been made in this direction. Prices have been higher than they were before Ottawa and have also been relatively stable.

The proposal to impose an import tax, however, is causing consternation and is not likely to be received favorably in New Zealand or in the other Dominions. Shortly put, it may be found that New Zealand’s attitude toward the levy proposal will be “It is both unfair and unfortunate.”

"Tire long-term proposals require a good deal of investigation and discussion,” said the Rt. lion. G. W. Forbes to-day. “It will be some time before we can come to any decision. Australia Las had a similar intimation, and the Commonwealth Government is con-

sidering it ” “In reply to a question, Mr. Forbes said he was unable to say at present whether it would be necessary to send any member of the Ministry Home to conduct the final negotiations. On this point it is not yet known whether Australia would reply to the suggestions of the British Government or withhold its answer until the Federal Prime Minister, Mr. Lyons, arrived in Loudon. The attention of Mr. Forbes was called to a press cablegram stating that he was .expediting his .departure (to London with a view to participating in the meat discussions together with Mr. Lyons. The Prime Minister stated that the question had yet to he considered, but he hoped to make an official statement shortly.