P.M. Questioned On Pig Prices

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 3

P.M. Questioned On Pig Prices

(New Zealand Press Association) WHANGAREI, March 8. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) asked today how the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) intended to keep bacon, ham and pork prices down in the face of falling pig production.

“Perhaps he might like to explain the so-called incentives that have encouraged so many farmers to stop producing pigs,” said Mr Kirk. He again challenged Mr Holyoake to introduce “even one” of Labour’s farm incentives, whereby a farmer increasing export production by £lOOO would pay income tax on only £5OO.

Challenging an earlier statement by Mr Kirk, Mr Holyoake at the week-end quoted tonnage figures to prove that New Zealand last year shipped 100,000 tons more meat overseas than Australia.

“The public will note with interest.” said Mr Kirk in reply, “that the Prime Minister makes no comment on my warning that pork, ham and bacon prices are certain to rise in the wake of rapidlyfalling pig production.

“On the meat issue. Mr Holyoake obviously confuses the relative importance of tonnages with export income. “To most New Zealanders, but apparently not to Mr Holyoake. what we earn for our

products determines our success as an exporter.” In the meat export field with the greatest potential, said Mr Kirk, Australia last year increased beef earnings to £BO million.

“This made it the biggest beef exporter in the world, while New Zealand beef earnings hovered round £3O million.”