TARIFF CONTROVERSY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 30, 5 February 1925, Page 5

TARIFF CONTROVERSY.

THE PEOPLE'S FOOD. BRITAIN S FISCAL SYSTEM. LONDON, February 4. Controversy concerning the tariff has been received by the publication of an announcement by the. Board of Trade indicating that the Covernment. instead of introduci-rg a new Safeguarding of Industries ..ill, intends to incorporate the duties required in a Finance Bill, after the committee of tho board has reported favourably and (he Treasury has concurred. It is specifically mentioned that articles of food and drink are to be excluded. The "Daily Telegraph" regards the plan as effectively forestalling a. combined attack on the Government's fiscal policy. It says that Parliamentary control will be preserved, and that there is no excuse for anybody to say the Government intends to create a general tariff. The "Morning Post" characterises the rules of procedure as "betwixt and between." Commenting on the exclusion of duties on food and drink the paper says: "The stomach of democracy is sacred, and there's nn end of it. Tlic proposals arc disappointing and inadequate, but they may educate the nation toward a better nolicv." The "Daily Chronicle," in an article under the caption of "Protection disguises," says: "If we arc not careful we shall find the Board of Trade armed with powers which will enable them to reverse the whole fiscal policy." The "Daily Kxpress" says: "The Opposition may accuse the Covernmont of unconstitutionalism. but the Cabinet can argue that the House of Commons, instead of indulging in academic discussions, will be able to deal with each specific duty proposed."—(A. and N.Z.)