MR. NASH’S STATEMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 274, 19 November 1943, Page 3

MR. NASH’S STATEMENT

PRICES DEF ENDED (P.A.) Wellington, Nov. 18. Commenting on the Fruitgrowers Federation's statement, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. SV. Nash, said to-night that the information conveyed to the Federation was in accordance with the decision of the Stabilisation Commission, in which it was stated that since 1939 the costs of the fruitgrowers had increased by lid a case, while the Government had increased the price by Is 2d a case. The fruitgrowers were covered by the Prime Minister’s original pronouncement, when he introduced stabilisation in December, 1942, when he said the price of the main farm products would not be allowed to rise nor would farm costs be allowed to increase. “It has been established,” said Mr. Nash, "that between the 1943 and 1944 growing seasons no increase in costs has haci to be borne by the industry. It was recommended that a bonus of 6d a case should be paid on all fruit which, in the opinion of the inspector, is of a type and maturity suitable for storage for four months or longer. This bonus will be paid during the coming season. The inspection tee ot id a case at present charged 'by the Government will be abolished. The Internal Marketing Department will extend its purchasing schedule to include fruit beyond a maximum count of 252 apples to the bushel at a price to be arranged. The return to the producer for such apples will be outside apple pool arrangement. A committee of inquiry will be set up to make an economic survey of the industry with a view to determining means of improving the position ot that part of the industry below an economic margin.” In connection with the last-metioned statement, Mr Nash said that when the evidence was available the Government would make special provision for fruitgrowers whose orchards did not show a reasonable economic return for the labour entailed in production.