AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 150, 7 April 1930, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

RESTRICTION OF IMPORTS. MEETING NATIONAL EMERGENCY United Press Association—Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 6. Mr F. M. Forde (Acting-Minister for Trade and Customs) l as issued a statement declaring that the new tariff measure was introduced merely to meet a national emergency, and not as part of the Government’s protective policy. It was primarily intended to restrict imports. “Australia is a debtor nation and her house must be put in order,” lie said. “One thing that the Government is determined upon is that Australia shall honour her obligations. We took'this action only after serious consideration, and after advice had been sought from the hanks and others in a position to say which was the 'best way to rectify Australia’s adverse trade balance, which amounts to £90,000,000 for the past six years.” . REPRISALS FROM FRANCE. BLOW TO BRITISH INDUSTRIES. LONDON, April 5. The Australian Press Association lias been authoritatively informed that owing to the increase in tariff duties in Australia, France is contemplating retaliatory action against Australian goods. j Australia House has not yet been officially informed, but officials liaye been privately advised that the tariff will come as a blow to potteries. The director of one of the largest firms in North Staffordshire, which sends its own travellers to Australia, and which lias built up a substantial business'.there, said: “It will cause, us severe loss.”

The head-of a firm of sanitary ware makers said: “The large proportion of our trade is with the Commonwealth:”

“The Times” commends the courage of the Seuflin Government in tackling the crisis and says: “British'trade will be adversely affected, but the setback must be accepted philosophically.” The “Financial News” asks: “Will not the rise of internal prices exaggerate Australia’s present difficulties. The new laws should he given a definite time limit.”