THE MEAT PROBLEM

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 305, 19 August 1932, Page 5

THE MEAT PROBLEM

(Press. Assn.-

MOST ACUTE STAGE OF THE DISCUSSIONS REACHED MR. BRUCE STILL HOPEFUL

-By Telegraph — Copjright).

Rec. Aug. 18, 5 p.m. Ottawa, August 17. The discussions between the British delegation and Messrs. Bruee and Coates were continued at two sessions to-day, and have reached the most severe stage of bargaining. Similarly, the Anglo-Canadians are in holts on Russian dumping. Mr. Bruce, who was seen at 5 p.m. said. — "We cannot see the light yet, but will confer with the British Ministers again before dinner. The difficulty is quite understandable; both sides are seeking the best possible terms. Naturally, it is a stiff fight, but it is being conducted on the most friendly basis, and .1 am hopeful of an early arrangement which will be satisfactory to Britain, Australia and New Zealand." Questioned regarding a report from British circles that Britain has already offered a quota against Argentine frozen beef, mutton and lamh, and asked, "would you accept such a quota, leaving chilled beef free?" Mr. Bruce replied: "That depends on the terms." Australian Demands It is understood that Australia requests a quota based on Argentine 1931 figures, when the chilled beef sent to Britain amounted to 5,821,000 quarters compared with 5,989,000 in 1930 and 6,016,000 in 1929. The advisers pointed out that if a

small quota were introduced, based on an abnormal year, the Argentine would be able to supply practically a normal year's export. The figures for 1932 to the end of July show that the Argentine has sent to Britain 3,025,000 quarters of chilled and frozen beef. The separate quantiti'es of chilled and frozen beef will not be available until the year is compl-eted, but the first seven months show lower exports, compared with the corresponding group of chilled and frozen meat figures for the three previous years, namely: — 1931 5,920,000 quarters. 1930 6,186,000 quarters. 1929 6,085,000 quarters.