Beef Supplies

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 7

Beef Supplies

BRITAIN’S UNDERTAKING. FREEDOM FROM A LEVY. RECORD IMPORTS ARRANGED. (By Telegraph.—Special to T^jjies.) AUCKLAND, Saturday. New Zealand Is to send 66,200 tons of beef of all types to the United Kingdom In the year 1937. This is one result of the negotiations. This amount will be our peak, the highest we have ever sent to the United Kingdom In any one year,” stated the IVllnlster of Finance, the Hon. W- Nash, In an Interview to-day. " On my arrival in England the prospect was the 1935 figure—4s,Boo tons," he said. “ The amount of 5G.200 tons represents a 25 per cent, increase on what was in prospect. It will mean that for the first time for tome years New Zealand will not have to restrict her beef exports to the United Kingdom. “Furthermore, for 1938 and 1939 there Is every possibility that New Zealand’s allocation will be Increased. “ This, of course, depends to some extent on economic circumstances In i the United Kingdom. When I first assumed the marketing portfolio New Zealand was almost committed to a situation where there would have been a levy on all New Zealand beef entering the United Kingdom. Three Years’ Respite. “ For the last year freedom from this levy was secured, and I am happy to announce that we have secured freedom from a levy for the period of the beef agreement, which Is for three years certain. “ At the time of the Government’s assuming ofilce arrangements had been In train to set up an international meat conference to advise governments on the general meat -supply position and to recommend the amounts of meat which should be allowed from the individual countries into the United Kingdom market Thi-s arrangement out right across the New Zealand Government's trade policy and eliminated 27 per cent, of exports from any basis of bargaining. in particular, It gave mutton and lamb, our mo-st Important meat export, over to an International body to deal with. New Zealand prefers to negotiate directly with the United Kingdom. Accordingly the United Kingdom were advised that New Zealand could not agree to the idea of an international meat conference. Projected Conferences. “ Finally, New Zealand agreed to a conference which would deal with beef only. In addition there is to be an Empire council which is to be an investigatory or advisory body. The beef conference does not represent merely the projected meat conference with limited -scope. There are new principles incorporated. One of the most important of these is that the aim shall be a maximum availability of supplies to consumers. Also, there is definite allowance made for the expansion of Empire supplies to the United Kingdom market. “ In addition, New Zealand gets the right to swing over Into chilled beef. That Is, New Zealand may replace as muoh frozen beef as she likes with chilled beef. This should be of great assistance to the beef Industry. “ in connection with the beef conference New Zealand’s position is safeguarded, nor are her rights to take beef into account in any general trade agreement Jeopardised. 1 feel that the beef agreement is highly satisfactory to New Zealand," concluded the Minister. TRADE IN PIGS. BRITAIN’S REQUIREMENTS. A * RIGHT TYPE ESSENTIAL. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Saturday. ! “New Zealand’s position in the pork and bacon trade of the United 'Kingdom Is quite satisfactory for 1937 and New Zealand can send to the United Kingdom as many porker pigs as she has estimated will be available—l6,ooo tons," stated Mr Nash. I “For future years the position Is still under negotiation as far as baconers are concerned and it is the baooner trade which is Important in the United Kingdom. New Zealand has a 10 per cent, increase for 1937 on her 1936 allocations. This gives a very satisfactory figure for 1938 and 1939. Similar increases may be expected but I wish to emphasise that New Zealand must make every attempt to supply the type of product the English market needs. "In baconers there have been some shortcomings in quality. More will have to be done in the way both or grading and of encouraging tlie export of the right types of baeoner pigs.