OTTAWA AGREEMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 16, 29 October 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA AGREEMENTS

FURTHER LABOUR ATTACK. TWO AMENDMENTS DEFEATED. THR DUTY ON DATRY PRODUCE. (United Press Association' —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, October 28. In, the House of Commons, Mr Torn Williams (Labour, Don Valley) moved to omit from the Ottawa Agreements Bill the duty of 2s a quarter on wheat. This impost, added to the duties on cheese and butter, he said, would mean a real burden on the poor. Mr Hore-Belislia (Financial Secretary to the Treasury) said the object of the duty was to ensure a greater supply from the Empire at the expense of foreign. He hoped the Dominions would reciprocate by buying more British manufactures. The consumer was amply protected by the provision that purchases must be at the world price. If the Dominions were unable to supply at that figure the duty would be removed. The amendment was rejected by 200 votes to 51.

Mr D. R. Grenfell (Labour, Gower) moved tlfe omission, of butter, cheese, eggs and milk. He contended that Britain could produce them as cheaply and efficiently as any country. The Dominions wei’e already able to compete in the market. The duty would mean that many of fflie poor would be unable to buy butter. They were already buying less Danish and more l of the cheaper and inferior Dominion produce. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Dr. E. L. Burgin) ridiculed the idea of a hardship on the poor. On the contrary the agreement would prove mutually beneficial, with a controlled supply, giving the Empire assured markets. The amendment was rejected by 197 votes to 39. WILL ABANDON DISCUSSION. LABOUR AND UNEMPLOYMENT. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, October 28. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr George Lansbury) told Mr MacDonald that the Labour Party was willing to abandon the discussion on the Ottawa agreements provided the Government agreed immediately to discuss the unemployment question without whips. Mr MacDonald accepted the suggestion provided the supporters of Sir Herbert Samuel agreed.

INCREASE IN PRODUCTION. DANGER TO HOME DAIRYING. (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, October 28. At a. meeting of the United Dairies, Limited, Mr Maggs (chairman of directors) said that the effect of tariffs on dairy products had hitherto been negligible. The duties on butter had not influenced prices owing to the inciease in world production, the operation of ouotas in other importing countries, and Empire supplies entering our market free or largely subsidised. There appears to he real danger that if New Zealand and Australia continue the present rate of increase in dairying for long they will kill the Home manufacture of dairy produce, as they have already practically destroyed, the sheepfarming industry. NO DECREASE IN 1 IMPORTS. TRADE WITH NEW ZEALAND. LONDON, October 28. The President of the Board ol Trade (Mr Walter Runciman) in closing the second reading debate on the Ottawa Agreements Bill, said that Great Bntain’s recent import duties had had no effect on imports. Not a single European country made a complaint. The motor-car trade to New Zealand and India was benefiting considerably.. Discussions with Australia were pioceedin". “Many members suggested that Ottawa would cripple our making agreements with other countries, stilted Mr Runciman, “but instead we are already negotiating with five countries and are ready to treat with the whole world, but we cannot deal with all at once. Britain as a market and a centre of finance is a world force and must remain the most important and vital part of the Empire. “Britain’s policy as a creditor country with investments inside and outside is to cultivate commercial and financial freedom and activity, but this is limited by the policy of the rest of the world and the dominions. We must build on the foundations of the Ottawa agreements the prosperity of the whole Empire.” The Bill was read a second time by 3-1(5 votes to 77.

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. SOUTH AMERICAN COMPACT. MONTE VIDEO, October 27. The Governments of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have agreed to renew negotiations designed to result in joint action in the meat export trade and to present a united front against competition resulting from the Ottawa agreements.