THE BRITISH MANDATES.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 5

THE BRITISH MANDATES.

A PREFERENCE EXTENSION. LOXDOX, July 10. ■\Vhen the Finance Bill was before the House of Commons last night, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, moved an amendment applying preference to the mandatory territories. Sir Auckland Geddes announced that the Cabinet had carefully considered the amendment and had ap proved it. Sir Donald Maclean contended that the amendment was a breach of tho mandatory principle. The amendment was adopted by 19J votes to SS. Mr. Wedgwood Beiin, member for Leith, moved to delete the Imperial preference clause. Sa; Frederick Young strongly supported* reference. llr. Austen Chamberlain said the Dominions had repeatedly disclaimed any desire to interfere with British domestic policy, but asked us in settling our tariff to include preference in it. Every Colonial and limxerial Conference had advocated preference. Sir Donald Mac Lean said the acceptance of the proposals was the beginning of a complete system of preference leading to Protection. Free Traders would persevere in their opposition. The amendment was rejected by 271 votes to 52.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) SOME KNOTTY PROBLEMS. LOXDOX, July 10. The Parliamentary Commercial Committee tendered a luncheon to-day to the High Commissioners and Agents-General of the Dominions. Viscount Milner said it was impossible to continue the Empire except on 'the basis of an absolute and equal partnership. ■ He was not afraid of the future constitutional equality of the Dominions and Britain. He admitted that the question was difficult and complicated, but it was inevitable. Mr W. M. McPherson (Victoria) approved of reciprocal preference. lie pointed out that the Xew York shipping rates to Australia undercut the British rates. Australia was anxious to trade with Britain, but America was quoting steel at prices 50 per cent lower than the British rates.—(A. and X.Z. Cable.) OVERSEAS T3.ADS DIRECTOR, INCREASING FIGURES. LOXDOX, July 10. i Sir Harnar Greenwood will succeed Sir jA. Steel Maitland as head of the Department of Overseas Trade. The trade returns for the past month show that the imports increased by £*i .400.930. exports by £ 10,536,113, and re-exports by £!>.54n.302.—(A. and X.Z.)