PROTECTION CONDEMNED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 80, 2 April 1908, Page 5

PROTECTION CONDEMNED.

JJEBATE UT TEE COMMONS. THE BASIS OS , TAXATION. LONDON, April I. In the House of Commons Mr. Alfred Jond, Liberal member for Chester, moved a resolution affirmine that any attempt to broaden the basis "of taxation by-placing small import duties on a large number of articles would be financially unsound, uneconomical, and harmful to industry and commerce, and be likely to raise prices and tend to the imposition of high tariffs, as in protected countries. Mr. Balfour, Leader of the Opposition, ridiculed the phantom of a strange and extravagant system of taxation, which no one recommended, but the broadening of the basis of taxation was inevitable, fte said, and it was not far distant. The only course open was to increase the number of Customs duties, which was desirable on financial grounds alone. It would be doubly -welcome if it afforded a chance of making arrangements with the colonies which would strengthen the Empire, increase our manufacturing powers, and enlarge our markets beyond the seas. Mr. W. Runciman, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, declared that Mr.. Balfour was committed to a general tariff. Mr. Baifour explained that he was only committed to a very wide extension of the basis of taxation." Mr. Euneiman insisted that Mr. Balfour was committed to colonial preference, and through that to taxes on food After further discussion Mr. Mond's motion was carried on the following division:— ° For the motion 280 Against 91 Majority 139