BRITISH WOOL TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 8, 10 January 1946, Page 5

BRITISH WOOL TRADE

REACTIONS TO DOMINIONS’ MARKETING SCHEME

PLEASED AT ASSURANCES GIVEN BY N.Z. (Special Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) Reed. 6.30 p.m. London, Jan. 9 The wooj trade has welcomed the official statement from Wellington offering an assurance that no arrangements will be made under the Dominion woo} marketing scheme which will place it at a disadvantage compared with buyers for any other country. The statement is much appreciated here. In fact the chief disadvantage visualised by the trade is no fault of the Dominions, but may arise under Britain’s present arrangements for planned imports, and has to be corrected here rather than overseas. An essential difference between the pc sition of buyers for Britain and other countries in the Dominion markets at the moment is that British firms’ purchases arc limited by rations imposed here, while buyers from other countries, presumably are free to buy all they wish. It L at least conceivable that such a position may react to the disadvantage of British firms, especially in securing types which may not be very plentiful. A British firm may not buy beyond its ration r.t any moment, whereas other buyers aie under no such re- tfiction, and are free to buy whenever desired types may be available While the British trade will appreciate anything which can. be done to secure an equitable distribution qf the available supplies, it is felt that the difficulty may best be overcome here by giving British firms freedom to import without a ration restriction, even though the ma.eriai might have to be subject to ration on arrival. It L recognised that planned importation. of many commodities is still necessary for Britain, as shipping and o her considerations are vital, out there is strong agitation foi more commercial liberty in wool importation from the Dominions, and it is felt that such liberty would not be incomistent with the continued planned production of wool goods. Meanwhile, there is gratifying evidence of a steady expansion in the rate of wool consumption. Workers are returning to the industry at an estimated rate of 500 weekly, and it is officially announced that about 40 mills, closed under wardme production concentration scheme-?, have received official permission to re-open. Some already are running again, and a further list of firms for re-opening awaits official sanction. The release of mill premises which have been used for war purposes, together with the return of laoour, are factors which govern ability to reopen, but progre?s is steady. Every possible spindle loom is at fuff pressure, ana the latest call on production is a request from Canada lor cloth to provide civilian suits for demobilised forces. Special export facilities have been given to Britt-h firms which are able to respond to this request