NO RESULT

Southland Times, Issue 22488, 24 January 1935, Page 7

NO RESULT

MEAT CONFERENCE dominions and home REPRESENTATIVES POLICY STILL A SECRET (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, January 22. The meeting between the Hon. J. H. Thomas, Major W. E. Elliot, Mr S. M. Bruce, Sir James Parr, and the other Dominion representatives to discuss an arrangement for meat imports in the interim period between the expiry of the temporary agreement on March 31 and the evolution of a long term policy, was adjourned without result. The British Government was unable to reveal its proposals, if any, and the Dominion representatives proffered no suggestions pending further instructions from their governments which are being sought Immediately in order to assist in drawing up yet another temporary expedient. Not only the long-term policy itself but the date of its projected commencement remain evasive. EXTENSION OF SUBSIDY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, January 22. The Sun-Herald says: “Owing to the impossibility of settling the long-term policy before Mr Lyons’ arrival, an extension of the home-grown subsidy is virtually certain for the interim period. The Government dislikes it and is determined not to continue it indefinitely, but It has no alternative. The subsidy has already cost £2,500,000, yet the prices to producers have fallen instead of increased. The Government is worried how ,to recoup itself for the subsidy, which must be borne by the whole of the meat industry. The continuance of the subsidy means piling up the debt. The only scheme at present being considered to re-imburse the Government is a levy on all imported meat, regarding which the Dominions are not enthusiastic, but the Government says a levy, with mild restrictions, is the only alternative to drastic restrictions. To-day’s failure to make progress has resulted in the Government deciding that long-term discussions should be opened immediately with the High Commissioners without waiting for Mr Lyons, but it has given Mr Lyons its pledge not to make decisions pending his arrival.” BRITISH BEEF LOWEST POINT FOR 12 MONTHS. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, January 22. The present discussions coincided with the price of British beef reaching the lowest point for 12 months despite the subsidy.