THE WAR BUDGET.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 280, 30 August 1915, Page 3

THE WAR BUDGET.

BENZINE AND KEROSENE. PROTECTING THE PUBLIC. WELLINGTON, -vug. 27. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont) asked the Minister for Customs to-day if he would have an inventory taken of the stocks of benzine, kerosene, and motor spirits in store on which duty had not boon paid, and see that no increase should take place in the price until the present stocks arc exhausted. Thepreaent stocks are exhausted. The Hon. A. M. Myers said that he would consider the matter. Mr. W. Nosworthy (Ashburton) said that ho had received a. telegram to the effect that ccrtan southern merchants had increased the price of kerosene by 2/9 per case, and he asked the Minister for Finance whether he would take' actiono to prevent this explotation. Sir Joseph Ward: If that has been done, then I want to say that the House would be asked to take the steps necessary to protect the public from being exploited. It is quite right, no doubt, that when a duty is imposed on a commodity the price of that commodity should be raised; but if the holders of stocks of petrol and benzine think we are going to stand by and al’bw them to make a huge profit out of the people of this country because of the necessity on account of the war »o increase taxation, they will find that they are mistaken. Sir Joseph added that lie would be very pleased to ask the House to givethe Government authority to deal with the matter effectively. Mr. Jt Payne (Grey Lynn) -said that he was given to understand that all ii.-.' stores wore full of petrol and ben--.iue. One company, he believed, had 50,0d0 cases In store, which would represent an extra profit of £7,000. He suggested that the Minister should declare these stores to bo bond. Sir Joseph Ward said he would consider whether he should ask the House to give authority to the Government to have an inventory of stocks made and ‘ take such other steps as might bo nesary to regulate things fairly. Mr. Fletcher; You ought to do it at once.