PRICE FIXING

Wairarapa Age, 22 February 1927, Page 5

PRICE FIXING

OPERATION OF P.A.T.A. UNDER REVIEW.

COMMITTEE INQUIRY OPENED.

ADDRESS BY MR. McCLEOD.

WELLINGTON. February 21 The tribunal appointed by the

Government to inquire into the pro- * posed operations of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association (P.A.T.A.), the object of ■which is to fix the prices at which certain articles in common use may be sold, commenced its sittings this momlug-

The committee consists ot Messrs w. B Montgomery (ex Comptroller of Customs); W. E. Havwanl (manufacturer, of Dunedin): M. J. Reardon (ex-work-ers’ representative in the Arbitration k Court); and J. W. Collins (secretary B to the Department of Industries and Commerce). After a preliminary address by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (The Hon. A. D. McLeod) the committee discussed matters preliminary to the hearing of evidence, which will be proceeded with later. .1/ In. his address, Mr. McLeod said the Government had laid down, the policy of non-interference in business. However, the Government, which was concerned with the welfare of all sections of the community, would be obliged to interfere in matters where it appeared that the business methods of one section of the community were detrimentally affecting other sections. It had been reported to the Government that it was considered that the P.A.T.A. s operations would be detrimental to certain sections of the community. His Department was not in a position to judge the truth or otherwise of the assertions made against the association and consequently the tribunal had been set up. The Department had advised those who were associated with the early formation of the association that it would probably be necessary to procure evidence on certain points which were bejiw raised and they had complied with suggest ion that no move should be made for registration of the association, pending the inquiry. The association had pointed out that it was not aware of anything which prevented the iormation of a body having the objects they stood for, but it had agreed not to until an investigation took place. 4 'All the Government desires,” said Mr. McLeod, “is a thorough investigation as far as you deem it wise to go. The Government makes no suggestions to you in any way as to what course you should follow. The Board of Trade Act gives you the necessary powers to report impartially to the •Government the various findings yon may arrive at according to the evidence submitted.” In conclusion, the Minister said that in view of the possibility of legislation being necessary next session to give effect to the findings of the committee, he would like to have their report as soon as possible. The Minister then withJJbw.—(P.A.).

EVIDENCE IN CAMERA. WELLINGTON. February 21. Evidence in the P.A.T.A. inquiry is being taken in camera.—(P.A.) -