I move that the Bill be read a Second Time. This is an enabling measure, which will empower the Minister for Agriculture to regulate by Order, in such manner as may from time to time appear desirable, the export of agricultural and fishery products. The Bill contains nothing new or exceptional, and merely incorporates in permanent legislation the powers at present exercised under emergency legislation.
The existing legislation dealing with exports of agricultural products is concerned primarily with the quality of the products without giving the Minister for Agriculture power to control the quantity of such exports. With the expiration of emergency legislation the need may still remain for restricting exports so as to conserve supplies needed for home consumption.
Opportunity is being taken to repeal the earlier Acts regulating exports which, owing to changed conditions, are no longer suitable.