TOBACCO SUPPLIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 5

TOBACCO SUPPLIES

NO SEVERE SHORTAGE AT CHRISTMAS DEBATE IN THE HOUSE. (P.A.) Wellington N(j>v. 20 The Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan, stated to-day in regard to the supply of tobacco and cigarettes that any apprehension on the part of the public in regard to the possibility of a severe shortage pf supplies for the Chistmas period was unjustified. The Minister said production was such, and distribution so planned, that in both December and January there would bo available to retailers at least the same quantities that wore distributed in November. It would be seen, therefore, that there was no need for undue alarm on the part of the public. Provided the people purchased their immediate needs only, much difficulty would be avoided. At the same time it should be known that all returned servicemen, during their furlough of 90 days, have access to supplies of tobacco through the various Defence Services’ canteens.

GOVERNMENT MAY IMPORT TOBACCO (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Nov. 21. “The difficulty in meeting the demand for tobacco and cigarettes, is common to ali countries. The Government has, however, made inquiries as to possible supplies from overseas, and when information is available ef f orts will be made to supplement local manufacture,” said the Minister of Customs, Mr. Nash, in the House of Representatives to-night. answering a question asked by Mr. Broadfoot, who had stated that Auckland merchants understood South African exporters could supply 20001bs of tobacco weekly. Mr. R. G. Gerard (Opp., Mui-Canter-bury) gave notice to ask the Minister of Supply whether he considered the packing of pipe and cigarette tobacco in bulk containers for weighing out to tobacconists would save time and labour, and tfius help overcome the shortage.

Mr. Gerard said that prior to 1940 it was a common practice to supply tobacco in 51b. and 101 b. container, and no hardship would be inflicted if the practice was restored. Mr. A. J. Murdoch (Opp., Marsden), who had been associated with Mr. Broadfoot in asking the question concerning tobacco supplies, said neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Customs (Mr. Nash) smoked, but they would put themselves high up on the pedestal in public estimation if they could arrange more supplies o£ cigarettes and tobacco. Mr. Nash had promised inquiries, but the inquiries might last some time. Mr. Murdoch urged that importations be permitted, at least temporarily, until New Zealand factories could again meet the Dominion’s needs. As was only right, members themselves were on short rations at present, in common with the general public. Mr. Murdoch urged Mr. Nash to permit importations from South Africa. Mr. Broadfoot said reluctance to permit imports could not be due to any shortage of sterling funds, because recently £23,000,000 worth of loans had been paid off in England. Mr. F. Langstone (Govt., Waimarino): That was good business. Mr. Broadfoot: I am not sure about that. We are short of hundreds of commodities at the present time. Mr. Broadfoot said the people were queueing up for tobacco, which haa passed from the luxury class to that of necessity. Apparently there was a labour shortage in nearly every industry, and import licences should be given to enable the people to be rid of the vile queue system. Mr. F. Hackett (Govt., Grey Lynn) said the Minister’s reply was very clear. Mr. Broadfoot: You can’t smoke replies. Mr. Hackett said it might be news to the member for Waitomo that sunplies of South African tobacco could be bought in New Zealand, but no one would smoke it. The Minister of Supply, Mr. Sullivan, said that on the evidence of his own eyes, and in the opinion of many overseas visitors New Zealand had been relatively well off for tobacco supplies during the war years. Visitors from overseas had expressed surprise at the availability of supplies in New Zealand.