PM Transcripts

.37
PRIME MINISTER PRESS SATEENT NO. 408
9 Deeber 1974
4.
INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORT
FOUNDATION GARMENTS
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today
that'as a long term objective the Government has accepted the
Industries Assistance Commission's recommendation in its report
on Foundation Garments.
Mr Whitlam. said that in view of current economic
conditions and the possible employment consequences of introduction
of the reduced duties recommended by the Commission at this time,
the Government considered that the recommended duty rate of
would best be phased in and that in the case of brassieres
( complete and incomplete) a tariff quota be adopted with a
penality rate of $ 2.50 per garment when imports exceed a certain
level, approximately 25% of the market.
, Mr Whitlam, said that the tariff quotas which were
being introduced consistently with Australia's rights and
obligations under the GATT would remain in effect for the next
12 months and that this form of assistance would be reviewed
within that period as to the need for an extension of a further
12 months. Implementation of the Government's decision will
mean that in the first year existing rates of duty will be maintained
for all goods under reference, subject to a tariff quota in
respect of brassieres. Mr Whitlam added that tariff quotas would apply
to all imports of the products concerned cleared for home
consumption after the date of this announcement. A detailed
statement of Customs Tariff changes arising from the Government's
decision will be issued by the Minister for Customs and Excise
when arrangements have been finalised to implement the proposed
changes. The policy aspects of the administration of the
tariff quotas will be the responsibility of the Minister for
Manufacturing Industry who will announce detailed arrangements
in the near future.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.