9

H.—2B

Importation of New Zealand Meat into France. —The French Government was approached in order to ascertain — (1.) What concessions on French products would be required in exchange for the admission of frozen meat from New Zealand to France on the same conditions as those accorded to frozen meat from the Argentine Republic; and (2.) If French inspectors could inspect New Zealand meat in London, their expenses to be reimbursed. The reply received was — (1.) That in order to obtain the benefit of the minimum tariff the concessions required are (a) the maintenance of the " most-favoured nation " treatment in favour of all French importations into New Zealand, after denunciation of the dispositions of the Convention of the 26th January, 1826, relative to the Dominions; (b) the engagement not to prohibit the importation of fermented drinks; and (c) the recognition of French regulating certificates accompanying consignments of horticultural products; and (2.) That the French Government cannot see its way to fall in with the suggestion that French inspectors should inspect New Zealand meat in London. Certain public-health regulations have to be complied with in the case of meat imported into several of the Continental countries, which would materially affect the margin of profit; a few countries admit our meat dressed in the ordinary commercial manner, but, unfortunately, in these countries there is little or no demand.

Attitude of the European Countries and Conditions under which Frozen Meat is admitted

The following are the main alterations which have taken place recently in the conditions governing the import of frozen meat into the various Continental countries : — Austria-Hungary. —Experimental shipments were authorized in 1911, and several comparatively large shipments of beef were sent from South America. Although those met .with approval and sold well, pressure was brought to bear on the authorities, with the result that further shipments have not been allowed. Germany. —The only alteration here has been a reduction of the duty by 50 per cent, under special agreement between the central authority and the municipality receiving the meat. Switzerland. —Only a few years ago importation was forbidden into this country, but not only were the laws amended to make importation possible, but quite recently the import duty was reduced by over 50 per cent. Belgium. —The regulations here have also been amended so as to make importation easier, and the duty has been reduced.

2—H, 28,

Country. Conditions. Duty (per Pound). I Retail Price. . United States of America Austria-Hungary Germany Switzerland Specially worded tag, sealed on to the carcases ; attestation of inspectors before the United States Consul; certificate in London of transhipment. Only certain firms in America allowed to sell frozen meat Special permission has to be obtained in the case of | l - 3d. each shipment. Several shipments were made in 1911, but since then permission has been refused Carcases to be entire or in halves, and accompanied 2d. ; but this may by internal organs be reduced by 50 per cent, on application t o the municipality receiving the meat Restrictions relaxed at end of 1911 ; meat is now Was originally 25 accepted dressed in the ordinary manner, without | francs per 100 being accompanied by a certificate from country of ; kilos, but has origin ; in the case of meat transhipped in Eng- ! been reduced to land, certificate of veterinary surgeon in this I 10 francs for 100 country is accepted kilos, or about Jd. per pound Certificate from country of origin as to health of i Is. 4d. per carcase cattle Importation prohibited .. .. Entire carcases with internal organs attached .. 2|d., including Octoroi duty Importation forbidden .. .. .. |d. Certificate as to health of cattle in country of origin ljd. No regulations .. .. .. .. 11 percent, ad. Val. |-d. to IJd. Mutton may be sent in carcases without internal About Jd. on whole organs ; beef and pork must have internal organs ] or half carcases No stringent regulations .. .. .. Jd. No regulations .. .. .. .. | l-3d. Importation prohibited .. .. .. j Certificate from port of origin .. .. .. id. Argentine beet sold wholesale at about 6d. per pound. 7d. to 9d. Servia Very low. Denmark 7d. to 9d. lid. to Is. Id. France Norway Greece Turkey Portugal Belgium 4Jd. to 7d. 6Jd. to 9|d. 5d. to b<1. 5d. to lid. 5d. to lid. Sweden Boumania Spain Italy 5d. to 8d. Very low.