XN000022-1974-02-13 — Page 23

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Wednesday, February 13, 1974

said after the meeting:

Mr. Jianty McGregor, Deputy Director of Commerce and Industry,

"The department has been in constant contact with

major importers and the larger manufacturers and they have indicated support

for an allocation arrangement, provided it is properly organised.

o do not propose to physically gather a stockpile of materials

together, nor shall we control prices. What we have in mind is a systom

whereby factories registered under the scheme will be issued with an

authorisation to go to a specified supplier and collect a quantity of

materials. The quantity will be based on the production capacity of their

machinery and other relevant factors of production."

Initially, it is expected that the allocation of materials will

be made on a fence and for all" basis, with deliveries beginning in early

March, but a further share-out will be considered if circumstances warrant it.

Mr. McGregor said that, although the supply situation was still

uncertain, there were indications that the position may improve in a few

months' timo.

In the meantime, the Commerce and Industry Department was prepared

to assist the administration of this scheme, which represented a genuino

attempt by the trade and industry to help the small-scale manufacturers.

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