GUARDING PRICES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 8

GUARDING PRICES

COMMON INTERESTS I

TRADERS AND PUBLIC j

WORK OF TRIBUNAL

MINISTER’S ASSURANCE (Pm Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “Traders may be assured that the Price Investigation Tribunal will grant permission to make increases that are justifiable and the consumer may be just as strongly assured that no increase will be permitted that is not justified after a full examination.” said the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, in a broadcast address last night.

He added that the total savings to the consumer through the operation of the tribunal could not be estimated, but it was clear that its operation had had a most steadying effect upon trade in a time of abnormal price movements. Question of Fixed Policy Mr. Sullivan said that runaway prices would not be permitted and the Government would not be stampeded 'by criticism into allowing prices to get out of hand. Referring to an allegation that the tribunal was working without a policy or fixed principles, he asked if any business man would say he would rigidly adhere to his present policy and method for the duration of the war, irrespective of the rapidlychanging conditions and circumstances over which he may have no control. Such an attitude would be impossible. Australia and England have already found it necessary to make changes. The Government recognised that alterations of procedure and modifications of the regulations might be necessary from time to time.