PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO,. 357
October 1974
INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORT -STEAM, GAS
AND WATER FITTINGS
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today
that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the
Industries Assistance Commission in its report on steam,
gas and water fittings, subject to international commitments.
The report was released on 13 August 1974.
The report covers tube and pipe fittings of nonferrous
metals and valves ( including actuators). The fittings
are predominantly of copper or its alloys and, of these, most
are plumbing fittings. The large range of valves varies in
type, size and application.
The Government's decision to implement the
Commission's recommendations will mean that a rate of duty
of 25 per cent will apply to valves and actuators and a rate
of 20 per cent to tube and pipe fittings of copper, nickel and
their alloys. Minimum rates will apply to tube and pipe
fittings of other metals.
Mr Whitlam said that details of the customs tariff
changes and revised by-law arrangements arising from the
Government's acceptance of the Commission's report will be
announced when administrative arrangements to implement them
have been finalised. In the interests of consistency, in
the tariff treatment of valves some minor changes in respect
of certain valves not covered by the Commission's report will
also be announced.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.