PROFITEERING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20736, 21 February 1939, Page 8

PROFITEERING

GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE STATEMENT BY MR D. G. SULLIVAN NECESSARY STEPS WILL BE TAKEN (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) AUCKLAND. Tuesday The Government's attitude in respect to profiteering was made clear by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. Minister of Industries and Commerce, in a statement this morning. “The question of keeping prices stable in the present situation is one that is receiving attention. I have been making myself acquainted with the steps taken in other parts of the world to prevent profiteering and other unreasonable price increases. Out of this information the Government has prepared its own plan. In respect to the steps that will be taken should the necessity arise. “Up to the present we have had occasional reports in respect to unreasonable increases but so far there have not been many,” added Mr Sullivan. “We do not desire to go further than the necessities of the situation. Should, however, there be manifested disposition to exploit the public machinery to deal with the position, which already has been prepared, will be put into immediate operation. No new legislation is required as ample power exists and the Government can do anything it thinks necessary by Order-in-Council. More Drastic Steps “A number of countries, some of them within the Empire, have had to take more drastic steps to prevent the exploitation of the public than New Zealand has taken and those countries are not administered by Labour Governments. Some people, who have voiced criticism through the newspapers, seem to be under the impression that it is not permissible to increase prices at all and consequently the fact that there have been some increases indicates to them the breakdown of the Government’s plans. They do not realise the real situation. The legislation that we have been working under up to present time, the Profiteering Act of 1936, is directed against ‘unreasonable’ increases, the term unreasonable being defined by Statute. Danger From a Few “If an attempt is made to exploit the community it may be necessary for the Government to take the same steps as those taken by some other countries and before any person can increase a

price compel him to justify such an increase before a tribunal. I do not desire to take that step, but it will be taken if the position warrants it. “I feel sure that the majority of business people will play the game. The only danger is from a few, who by an unreasonable and selfish attitude, may create difficulties for the great mass of fair-minded business people,’’ Mr Sullivan concluded.