FLOUR IMPORTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18903, 19 January 1927, Page 11

FLOUR IMPORTS.

DUMPING DUTIES SQ '

NECESSARY.

STATEMENT BY MTNIBTBBU

[THE PRESS Spectal Berries.]

WELLINGTON, January 18. Interviewed regarding the imports of flour the Minister for Customs ({be Bon. MV Downie Stewart) stated: "Careful enquiries have been made $&,;. Australia as to the accuracy of the information submitted to the Customs '. Department on export prwes v aa com- . pared,with Australian local home consumption prices. The large difference between export prices to New' Zealand and Australian home prices, sometimes amounting to £3 a ton, as shown in the newspaper market quotation*, is not confirmed by our enquiries. In Australia, moreover, it must he remembered that export prices from Australia are for cash and local sales are. on oredit, involving the risk of loss for bad debts. Also delivery of local sales are at a fixed price over a certain radius, whereas the exporter has merely to deliver at the dock. "The importations of flour so far have been normal, and not more than ' are necessary for the requirement*, of the Dominion. The position is being closely watched, and the dumping duties will be imposed by the Government whenever it is shown that the circumstances warrant it, allowing for the factors above indicated. Importers are aware that the duties can be imposed at any time."