REMOVAL OF CONTROL WILL NOT INCREASE RADIO PRICES

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 November 1949, Page 6

REMOVAL OF CONTROL WILL NOT INCREASE RADIO PRICES

WELLINGTON, Last Night (P.A.). —Radio set prices and the prices of radio accessories and components should show no upward trends. This is the prediction of Mr. W. J. Blackwell, president of the New Zealand Radio Manufacturers’ Federation, when commenting today on the decision of the Government to lift the price control on the radio and electronic industry. “The lifting of control indicates appreciation by the authorities of the highly economic and efficient state of the New Zealand industry,’ said Mr Blackwell. “The federation has recommended decontrol for some time. By friendly, though nevertheless intense rivalry among firms, the prices of radio sets are extremely competitive and though, through the unrelenting efforts of the manufacturers to provide the listening public witn high performance sets at most equitable price levels, price control has become unnecessary. It is pleasing to see this recognised by the authorities, thus relieving the much-wanted clerical staff for more important duties in the industry.” It is common knowledge in the trade that the current expansion of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service network caused a stimulating demand for sets and the public could rest, assured that the healthy unfettered competitive price basis would react, not detrimentally, but definitely to their benefit.