PM Transcripts

PRESS STATE: E: T No.. 294j
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TARIFF BOARD REPORTS PROPYIEN7 OXIDE DERIVATIVES
FILM4 PROCESSIN'G INDUSTRY, e'. DVERTISI--G FILM,
( VALUE FOR DUTY)
The Prime Minister, Alr. W,-hitlam, announced today that
the Government has accepted the recommendations of the Tariff Board
in its reports on propylene oxide derivatives and film processing
industry, advertising film ( value for duty).
With regard to propylene oxcide derivatives Mr. Whitlam
said the Government's decision to implement the 3oard's
recommendations will mean th. at a General rate of euty of
will apply to the principal products covered by the report,~ polyols
( used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam) and glycols ( primarily
used'in the production of polyester resins and surface coatings).
Presently these goods are dutiable at minimumn rates. Mr. T-hitlam
said the Government noted the Board's misgivings as-to whether the
local manufacture of these goods warranted assistance but accepted
the Board's judgement on the level of protection for the local
industry pending a review of the chemical industry as a whiole in
1975. There will be no change in the duties currently applying
to the other goods covered by the report except for a minor
variation in respect of some chemically pure surface active agents
and some goods of New Zealand origin.
The decision in respect of the film processing report will
mean that minimum rates of duty will apply to exposed cinematograph
film; a General rate of 35% will apply to graphic arts film ( negative
and positive) and minimum rates of duty will apply to other goods.
Provision will also be made for by-law admission of certain exposed
film. A detailed statement of the Customs tariff changes
involved arising from the Government's decision will be issued
by the Minister for Customs and -, xcise when arrangements have
been finalised to implemnent the new.. duty rates.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.