PRESS STATEMENT NO. 240
26 April 1974
THE CONSUMER AND COLOUR TELEVISION
The Prime Minister today referred to recent press reports
that consideration was being given by Government agencies to the
application of import quotas to Japanese colour television sets.
The Prime Minister said that these reports did not reflect the
Government' s attitude.
The Government believed that the Australian consumer
deserved free access to Japanese Pal television receivers subject,
of course, to the tariff protection given to the local industry by
the Government after the Tariff Board reported on consumer electronic
equipment and components late last year. The tariff on these goods
is at a relatively high level of 35%. This is the basis upon which
negotiations with AWA and AEG-Telefunken are proceeding.
The Prime Minister said that two of the main objectives of
the tariff assistance provided to the Australian consumer electronics
industry are to provide the Australian consumer with
a wide range of cheaper electrical goods,
including colour television sets; and
to provide the basis for greater specialisation
in the relevant sections of the Australian industry
with consequent benefits for the nation as a whole.
Mr Whitlam said that in its report on the consumer electronics
industry late last year the Tariff Board had said
" At the recommended-rates of duty on components and
complete receivers the Board believes that local
manufacturers in a rationalised industry would
dominate the medium to large screen size market for
colour television. It is in this segment that the
majority of demand is expected to occur. The
recommended duties are not expected to cover the
cost disabilities of Australian manufacturers
producing the small screen sizes of television
receivers."
Mr Whitlam said that imports from Japan were expected to play
a major role in meeting consumer demand for the smaller-screen sized
sets., / 2
-2-
He said that the negotiations with AWA and AEG-Telefunken
were an integral part of a total policy aimed at greatly improving
the position of the Australian consumer, particularly in the early
years of colour television. The Government's policy which provides
appropriate protection for Australian workers and industry, would
benefit Australian industry by encouraging it to specialise in areas
where it is best able to operate.
CANBERRA. A. C. T