nC
FOR RE~ SS -3JAN 1968
NEW ZEALAND BUTTER IN AUSTRALIA
Statement by the Prime Minister and
Minister for Trade and Industry
( Mr. J. McEwen), replying to suggestions
that New Zealand Butter might
be imported into Australia.
Speaking as Minister for Trade and Industry,
Mr. MoEwen said that the New Zealand Prime Minister ( Mr.
Holyoake) had raised with him during talks in Canberra
last week the question of the likelihood of Australia being
unable to fill her full quota of butter for the British
market this season because of the drought in Australia.
He agreed that if Australia could not fulfil its quota he
would be glad if New Zealand could make good Australia's
shortfall this season.
Mr. Holyoake had apparently discussed this matter
with the British Prime Minister ( Mr. Wilson).
Mr. McEwen said that notwithstanding the drought and
notwithstanding any re-structuring of Australia's dairy
industry, Australia would still be an important exporter of
butter and certainly would not be prepared to import butter.
This had been a basic point in the Australia New
Zealand Free Trade Area Agreement, he said.
Canberra, A. C. T.
24th December, 1967.
FOR PRESS: NEW ZEALAND BUTTER IN AUSTRALIA - STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MR. J. MCEWEN), REPLYING TO SUGGESTIONS THAT NEW ZEALAND BUTTER MIGHT BE IMPORTED TO AUSTRALIA
1745