PRIMARY PRODUCTS AMENDMENT BILL

Southland Times, Issue 23376, 7 December 1937, Page 6

PRIMARY PRODUCTS AMENDMENT BILL

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CRITICISM . (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 6. The following resolution was carried at a meeting today of the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand:— “This association protests strongly to the Government (a) against the manner in which the Primary Products Marketing Amendment Bill has been rushed through the House of Representatives without the opportunity being given those interested and the public generally properly to study the measure and make representations to the Government and (b) against the extreme powers given under the Bill which are so far-reaching as to enable complete socialization. “It views with very grave concern the authority which the measure has given to the Government department without further reference to Parliament to fix prices for any and all foodstuffs, to fix profit margins, to commandeer produce and to put traders out of business. Also it regards as most unfair the provisions that the Reserve Bank credit may be used to compete with the private trader. It is of the opinion that if the powers under the Bill are brought into use the effect will be disastrous and that if the Government does not propose to use the powers in full then it should not take legislative authority for them. “This association urges that the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) give a full explanation of the marketing plan of the Government under the Bill or if there is so far no plan that such a plan be announced before the Bill is proceeded with further.”