PRICE FIXATION DANGER

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1933, Page 7

PRICE FIXATION DANGER

PROTEST FROM CHAMBERS

ELIMINATION OF COMPETITION.

“RUSHING” OF THE LEGISLATION.

POWER IN HANDS OF ONE MAN.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.

The following resolution has been forwarded to the Prime Minister by the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce: —

“In the matter of the Motor Spirits (Regulation of prices) Bill this executive deplores rushing’ through this most important measure in the dying hours of the session, and further strongly objects to the proposals contained in the Bill, which will have the effect of depriving the whole community of the benefits resulting from competition in the sale of petrol as well preventing the possibility of any such beneficial competition in the future because of the fixation of prices proposed, and that at the direction of one man, the holder of the portfolio of Industries and Commerce, instead of Parliament.

“Fruthermore, this executive draws warning attention to the grave danger involved in allowing that the State may assume control, of private business by fiixing the prices of goods, commodities and services.”