DAIRY PRODUCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 8

DAIRY PRODUCE.

BRITAIN UNDECIDED. NEW ZEALAND’S POLICY. OPPOSITION TO A LEVY. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Saturday. “ The United Kingdom have not yet decided what their policy is to he in regard to dairy produce," said the Hon. W. Nash, Minister of Finance, in an interview to-day. •• The prospect had been that there would be a levy put on Dominion butter and cheese imported into the United Kingdom in order to give more assistance to the Home farmers. “ New Zealand's policy, one which I have consistently advocated, is definite opposition to any form of levy. On the positive side wo have advocated regulated expansion until the

needs of tlie United Kingdom consumers are met. No other policy can he, advocated when there are sources available to meet the needs of those who are at present going without. 1 have also pointed out that any levy on an Empire dairy product would be discriminatory as regards New Zealand for dairy produce normally amounts to •i 0 per cent, of our exports. No other Dominion lias a percentage even onequarlcr of this. Awaiting Britain's Decision. “ I feel that the United Kingdom recognise the justice of this statement. Recently tlie United Kingdom Government announced that it was giving i assistance to its Homo farmers in certain circumstances but this was not to be by means of a levy on imports of Empire dairy produce. However, until I the United Kingdom decide as to their i dairy produce import policy it will not l»o possible to decide New Zealand's position. In the meantime the situation is satisfactory.” , A special point In connection with dairy produce, said Mr. Nash, was that the tentative agreement with Germany provided that a considerable portion | of tin' credits accruing Jo Germany | from New Zealand purchases of ; German goods was to ho utilised in the i purchase of butter. _