LESS BUTTER FOR BRITAIN.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 511, 2 March 1933, Page 7

LESS BUTTER FOR BRITAIN.

WHAT THE QUOTA MEANS. Effect on the Dominions. 3*- ■ Owing to the glut of butter on the British market the British Cabinet has suggested that the butter imports from Empire countries should be reduced by 3 per cent., and from foreign countries by 6 per cent. thus restricting supplies to about the level of 1931. In 1932, 109,517 tons of butter were imported into Britain from New Zealand, while it is expected that about 116,000 tons will be available for export this year mainly ow- _ ing to the good season for grass. Jf the British Cabinet finally decides to impose this reduction in our quota, about 9700 tons less will be sent from New Zealand this year. This will inflict hardship on some J dairy factories and producers, unless j the scheme advocated by Mr. Sinclair is brought into operation. Moreover, many dairy companies now making butter will switch over to cheese. i r Last year 201,000 tons of foreign butter were imported into Britain; a 6 per cent, reduction would mean about 12,000 tons. The reduction in 1 foreign imports will not be so heavy ' as that for Empire countries, which , have greatly increased their butter exports in recent years. It has been calculated that there will be a reduction of about 31,500 tons of Empire butter compared with a reduction of 12,000 tons of foreign. Such a result is diametrically opposed to the reasoning and figuring at Ottawa, says a statement issued by the Dominion office of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. The reduction of Australia’s butter quota will be much greater than that of New Zealand, owing to the phenomenal increase in the exportable quantity this year. It is estimated that the reduction in the imports of Australian butter will be in the vicinity of 20,000 tons, but this will not be felt so keenly by the Australian dairy farmers owing to the Paterson bonus scheme for locally-consumed butter being in operation. (Continued in Next Column) j

Australian dairy authorities predict an increase of nearly 30,000 tons this year, whereas the increase in New Zealand production will centre around 7000 tons.