BRITISH MEAT IMPORTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 158, 6 July 1934, Page 9

BRITISH MEAT IMPORTS

LEGISLATION EXPECTED ATTITUDE OF DOMINIONS (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 4. To-day’s discussions on the British and Dominions’ meat problem have not progressed far beyond those of June 27. However, the British desire finality by July 11 when a meeting will bo convened at 9.30 jn the morning preceding a Cabinet meeting at noon at which Messrs Thomas and Elliot hope to submit a preliminary draft in readiness for legislation within a fortnight. It is still impossible to say whether there will be a levy or other measures. The Dominions’ replies to the Argentine attitude were discused to-day, but further consultations arc necessary with the Governments. Britain proposes a combination of quantitative restriction and a levy on beef, mutton and lamb. The terms of the levy will give the Dominions 50 per cent, preference over foreign. The proceeds will provide financial aid for home producers. The proposals include mutton and lamb because it is felt that beef prices will be further depressed if beef is singled out. Britain introduces a levy because she realised the remoteness of gaining an agreement to restrictions drastic enough to materially improve prices. While the Dominions are resigned to the inevitability of quotas they do not welcome the addition of a levy. The Board of Trade is negotiating concurrently with the Argentine in the hope of surmounting the agreement difficulties.