PRICE-FIXING UNDER MARKETING BILL

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 65, 9 December 1937, Page 3

PRICE-FIXING UNDER MARKETING BILL

—Press Association.)

Powers Not To Be Applied Unless Industry Asks UPPER HOUSE STATEMENT

(By Toleeraph

' WELLINGTON, Dec. 7e ■ ! When the Legislative Council releumed this evening, Hon. M. Fagan ;replied to the debate and said there was no relation between the Bill and the doctrines of Communism. The proposals ,of the Bill had been in operation in Wellington for eleven months and nothing dreadful had happened. The intonjion of the Minister of Marketing was 'to encourage the efficient trader and bring the inefficient one up to a state of eiiiciency. The second reading was carried by 18 to 11. When the Council, in committee, reached clause 6, which gives power for fixing prices and makes conditions for the sale of foodstuffs, Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes moved an amendment to make the clause inoperative for trade be- , tween jtwo primary producers. Hoh. Fagan said he would not accept the amendment because it was quite unnecessary. The Government did not intend to apply the powers it was taking to any industry unless those engaged in that industry asked to be covered by the Act. Hon. Sir James Allen said that was an important statement and asked if it would be put on record. Hon. Fagan said he would place it on record when the Jhird reading was reached. • The amendment was rejected by 19 to 10 and the clause adopted by 18 to 10When the third reading was taken, Hon. Fagan repeated the statement made in committee and .the third reading was taken without protest. The Bill was passed and the Council adjourned at 10 p.m. y