1.—13

1920. NEW ZEALAND.

BUTTER-PRICES INQUIRY COMMITTEE. (Mr. J. A. NASH, M.P., Chairman.)

Report brought up I,3th October, 1920, together with Minutes of Proceedings, Minutes of Evidence, and Appendices.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from, the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, thk 9th Day of September, 1920. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of eleven members, to inquire into and report upon the present and future prices of butter in the Dominion, especially with regard to the probability of the present exportable surplus being purchased by the Imperial Government at a considerable increase in price as compared with last season's output; the Committee to report within three weeks from this date, and to have power to call for persons and papers; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Atmore, Mr. J. R. Hamilton, Mr. Hawken, Mr. Hockly, Mr. Kellett, Mr. McCombs, Mr. McLeod, Mr. Nash, Mr. Poland, Mr. Powdrell, and the mover."—(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.) Tuesday, the 21st Day' oe. Septkmher, 1920. Ordered, "That the petitions of I. H. Reld and others, the New Zealand Co-operative Association of Canterbury (Limited) and others, and eight similar petitions, be referred to the Butter-price< Inquiry Committee for consideration and report."—(Mr. Hunter.) EEPOET. Tim Butter Prices Inquiry Committee, to which was referred the question of the present and future prices of butter in the Dominion, lias the honour to report — (1.) That, in view of the fact that no restriction has been placed on the prices of wool and other products of the Dominion, it is of opinion that the dairy-farmers are entitled to the full benefit of I lie market price of butter, and recommends that a sufficient quantity of butter (to be taken from Hie whole Dominion) should be requisitioned for the requirements of the population at 2s. Gil. per pound f.0.b., this being the amount of the Imperial Government's offer. (2.) Having carefully considered the price to be charged to the consumer, the Committee recommends that the retail price be fixed, to the 31st, day of March, 1921, at 2s. 3d. per pound for cash, and 2s. Bd. booked. (Note : The estimated cost of fixing the price on this basis will be £600,000.) (3.) The Committee does not recommend an export tax on butter. (4.) And, having considered the question of tbe introduction of margarine, the Committee resolved to make no recommendation thereon. J. A. Nash, Chairman. 13th October, 1920.