MEAT REQUIREMENTS OF BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 24211, 22 August 1940, Page 6

MEAT REQUIREMENTS OF BRITAIN

EARLY STATEMENT TO BE MADE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, August 21. Replying to an urgent question asked by Mr W. S. Goosman (Nat., Waikato) in conjunction with Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Nat., Waitomo) in the House of Representatives this afternoon, the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) said he hoped to be in a position to make a statement to the House at an early date about the United Kingdom’s meat requirements for the next season. The New Zealand Government had opened negotiations with the United Kingdom Government on the subject, but so far the United Kingdom Government had not specified its requirements. The increase in bacon' production of 10,000 tons was an estimate compiled within New Zealand, which it was hoped would be attained, following upon an indication received from the United Kingdom Government that it would like to receive increased supplies of bacon from New Zeaalnd. The payment to producers would continue to be made in accordance with the procedure agreed upon at the start of the current season after consultation with the Meat Board representatives and meat trade representatives and subject to conditions which had been submitted to Parliament. Unless there was a good reason to the contrary the New Zealand Government would continue to purchase meat free on board (ship’s side). He had already stated that the New Zealand Government desired a maximum production of foodstuffs, and that it would buy the exportable surplus for next season at prices to be agreed upon.