MEAT EXPORTS

Southland Times, Issue 22474, 9 November 1934, Page 8

MEAT EXPORTS

THE HOME MARKET SUGGESTED RESTRICTIONS NEW ZEALAND’S POSITION (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, November 8. Reference to a cablegram from Sydney suggesting that the British Government had requested Australia to reduce the exports to Britain and had announced a ban on beef and veal exports for two months, was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr A. D. McLeod asked the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, whether New Zealand’s very vital interests were being safeguarded. “The New Zealand Government, in close consultation with the New Zealand Meat Producers Board, is at the moment engaged in negotiations initiated by the British Government concerning meat imports into the United Kingdom,” Mr Forbes said in reply. “These negotiations cover all classes of meat, and their importance to New Zealand is fully appreciated by the Government. It is hoped that acceptable arrangements will be made, and so far the negotiations have been satisfactory. The aim is to safeguard the interests of dairy farmers as well as those of other producers of meat. For reasons that will be understood, details of the discussions cannot be published to-day, nor without the consent of the British Government.” “MERELY REGULATION” AUSTRALIAN OPINION. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.40 p.m.) Sydney, November 8. Meat exporters in Sydney have been officially informed that the British Government is negotiating with the Commonwealth Government for a curtailment of the exports of frozen beef and veal. Mr F. H. Stewart, Minister of Commerce, emphasizes that the proposal will not mean restriction, merely regulation, which, if adopted, will operate for two months in the slackest period of the Australian export season this year only. The Government is now ascertaining the views of Australian beef exporters, and until these have been obtained no decision will be communicated to the British Government.