PRESS STATEMENT NO. 194
1 March 1974
PRODUCTION OF SUPERPHOSPHATE REFERRED TO INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE
COMMISSION
As a result of a reference sent to the Industries
Assistance Commission by the Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, today,
the Commission will examine the need for the continuation of
the tariff on super-phosphate.
Mr. Whitlam has asked the Commission to inquire into
and report on whether assistance currently accorded the production
of superphosphate in Australia should be continued and, if so,
the nature and extent of such assistance.
Mr. Whitlam emphasised that the reference to the Commission
was limited to the question of assistance for Australian production
and was not concerned with the question of a bounty for users of
superphosphate. Mr. Whitlam said that at present imports of superphosphate
into Australia attract a duty of just under 17 per cent under the
General Tariff and jusqt under 6 per cent from preferential sources.
The last full report on the protective requirements of this
industry was that from the Tariff Board in December 1929, although
it was included in the Board's 1972 report on General Rates of Duty
which dealt with preferences. Mr. Whitlam said that it is
appropriate for the Commission to review the assistance available
to this manufacturing industry. It is also relevant that at
present the Commission is inquiring into the protective needs of
the industry producing nitrogenous fertilisers.
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The reference to the Commission on superphosphate
production covers items 31.03.100 and 31.05.110 to the First
Schedule of the Customs Tariff 1966-1973.
CANBERRA, A. C. T.