MEAT SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20054, 11 March 1935, Page 9

MEAT SUPPLIES FOR BRITAIN

OUTLINE OF CABINET PROPOSALS

QUESTION OF QUOTA OR LEVY United press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 8. In the House of Commons, Mr W. E. Elliot (Minister of Agriculture), moving the second reading of the Cattle Industry Emergency Provisions Bill, explained that it was an interim measure, extending for three months the Act passed in July. The question was of such importance to the Dominions and overseas countries that it must be exhaustively examined before action was taken. The beS; method of dealing with the situation was a short extension of the present arrangement. “We are acting for the benefit of all concerned, and the interests of the overseas supplier are being meticulously considered. The Government did not propose to alter the provisions of the Act.” Mr • Elliot added that the necessity for full consideration and the avoidance of hasty action evidenced by the ffect that even after long discussions with the representatives of the Dominions, a misunderstanding arose in one case. This did not lead to serious consequences, and had been cleared up, but until Mr Lyons arrived it would be Impossible to continue a detailed discussion on the long term policy. Dr. C. Addison (Minister of Agriculture in the Labour Administration), moving the rejection of the Bill, said there was nothing in the Bill to show that the producer would get money he was intended to get. There was nothing to Increase the consumers’ purchasing power, and no benefits to pass on to the agricultural labourer. The Bill was read a second time by 120 to 23 votes. FATE OF LEVY BELIEVED AS “DEAD AS MUTTON” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 8. New Zealand’s rejection of the British Government’s levy proposal, closely following Dr. Earle Page’s reply, caused widespread feeling that the levy is as “dead as mutton.”

Ministers are reserving their considered opinion pending an examination of the replies, but Government quarters are adamant regarding restrictions. They will most emphatically stand by the White Paper, as plainly stating the policy. If the Dominions decline the levy the only alternative is drastic rejection, which Britain would enforce on October 1. "CHILL AND DEPRESS TRADE” “OBSERVER’S” VIEW OF QUOTAS United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 10, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON March 10. The “Observer” says that New Zealand’s reasoned protest against the meat levy again illustrates the difficulties of quotas, which chill and depress the whole area of trade, suggesting fetters; while tariffs, flexible in their scale, and preferences can be adjusted to any national purpose. Any reduction of demand, consequent on increased prices, can sooner be corrected by tariff changes than by any other means. OPPOSITION IN AUSTRALIA ALARM IN QUEENSLAND By Telegraph—Press Association BRISBANE, March 9. The Queensland Minister of Agriculture, Mr F. W. Bulcock, said a levy of id per lb. on Empire meats would create a tragic position for the cattlemen of Australia.

FULL STATEMENT PROMISED REGARDED AS TEST CASE United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright CANBERRA, March 8. Australia’s attitude on the meat export question will be set out fully and frankly in a statement in the House of Representatives next week by the Act-ing-Prime Minister (Dr Earle Page), in reply to the British White Paper. It is reported that the Commonwealth Government regards the meat negotiations as a test case for the whole of the Australian industries. AUSTRALIA’S REPLY ISSUED PROPOSALS NOT ACCEPTABLE United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright CANBERRA, March 8. Dr. Earle Page announced that the Commonwealth will not accept the present British meat import proposals.