MEAT POOL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1922, Page 4

MEAT POOL.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE, [by TELEGItAPU —PEtt PRESS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON, January 12. In the House Mr Craigie asked the Promier if the Opposition would be eon suited re the meat pool, and if Mi Ngata, and Mr Forbes, both shee) farmers, would be placed on the Par' liamentary committee. -Mr Massey said the Governtnenf would take the House into its full confidence, and if the meat pool wms to be successful, it must have the whole conn, ter and was never intended to become try behind it. It was not a. party matter. He added, that the Producers’ Committee, elected by the Conference, had met that morning and had done good work. If it was possible to add Messrs Forbes, Ngata, and Witty to the Parliamentary Committee, he would be glad to do so. Mr Savage asked if an apportunity would be given to those opposed to the pool to give evidence before the committee before any legislation wag passed. The Prime Minister replied that no committee had been set up, but if the

1 imposed legislation was referred to a Select Committee, he would lie glad to give any member of the House an opportunity to give evidence. Mr Savage: Will you be willing to accept evidence from the producers? Mr Massey said that was quite another story, but if the committee wishes it he would have no objection but the committee is not yet in existence Mr Massey added there was plenty of storage accommodation under the Port of London authorities’ control, and also in Manchester, Avonmouth and other West Coast ports for the storage of pool meat exported. The cool stores in New Zealand had been largely extended during the war and could hold 7,000,000 carcases, equal to ‘one season’s output. This storage would be useful, not to hold up meat to raise prices against the consumer but to prevent gluts and over-supply.