PREFERENCE FOR N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1929, Page 8

PREFERENCE FOR N.Z.

GOVERNMENT”S POLICY

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 23

The Government’s policy in regard to the purchase of stores and supplies is stated in a letter which Mr F. Campbell, President of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, has received from the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Hon P. G. Cobbe), viz: “At a recent meeting of the Cabinet, the following resolutions were adopted in regard to the policy to be observed in the puclmse of stores and supplies for State purposes :

(1) That the existing preference afforded to goods manufactured in New Zealand be confirmed./ In consider 1 ng tenders received the' Tenders Board adds the existing tariff rates, plus all freight and handling charges. Where no duty operates ten per cent, is added to British goods, and 20 per cent, to foreign, plus the above charges.

(2) That where tenders are invited from abroad for goods which are made in the Dominion, the manufacturers in New Zealand shall be given equal and full opportunity to quote.

(3) In considering quotations where the employment of labour is a large factor in the cost of production, the Board will be expected to exercise a bias in favour of the New Zealand tenders.

(4) That the Government desires in its purchases of goods for departmental use to give those produced in New Zealand the most favourable treatment provided that the quality, price and other factors relating to delivery are equal.

“I may add that all the Departments concerned in the purchase of stores have been instructed by the Prime Minister, in. a letter dated August 31st. to conserve .the policy outlined.”