H—3o

FREEZING COMPANY SUBSIDIES As an investigation of the financial position of freezing companies was being made by the Economic Stabilization Commission to ascertain whether existing subsidy rates should be maintained, freezing companies were advised early in the year that subsidies then being paid would be subject to adjustment, if necessary, when the review was completed. Subsequently the Freezing Companies Committee was advised by the Economic Stabilization Commission that—(l) The subsidy of |d. per pound overall granted from Ist October, 1944, was cancelled from Ist October, 1946 : (2) The subsidy of |d. per pound overall granted from Ist January, 1945, was cancelled from 17th March, 1947 : (3) The subsidy of per pound overall granted from 2nd January, 1946, was to continue, and consideration will be given to the cancellation of this subsidy and the increasing of the freezing charge in the schedule structure before the export season opens on Ist October, 1947. The subsidy of Oolsd. per pound for administration expenses paid from Ist January, 1945, was also to continue to be paid until 30th September, 1947, when consideration will be given to its inclusion in the schedule structure. Further negotiations resulted in the cancellation of the overall subsidy of per pound and the administration subsidy of 0-015 d. per pound at the end of the 1946-47 season and the addition of the former to the killing and freezing rate and the latter to the buying and administration allowance when the 1947-48 season's f.o.b. prices were being calculated. EFFECT OF THE RATIONING EMERGENCY REGULATIONS AS APPLIED TO MEAT The following information is supplied by the Food and Rationing Controller : It is estimated that since the inception of meat rationing in March, 1944, 76,000 tons of meat have been withdrawn from civilian consumption. This figure is exclusive of savings in respect of bacon and ham, which from the introduction of the Bacon and Ham Curing Order in June, 1943, to date has resulted in 171,000 baconer pigs, equivalent to 10,400 tons carcass weight, being withheld from local sales. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The Marketing Department wishes to record its appreciation of the continued co-operation extended by the Overseas Shipowners Allotment Committee, freezing companies, meat canners and exporters, New Zealand Meat-producers' Board, and the various Government Departments with which the Marketing Department has been associated throughout the year.

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