THE PRIMAGE DUTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 257, 30 October 1929, Page 6

THE PRIMAGE DUTY.

Yesterday's debate on the second reading of the Customs Amendment Bill at least had the effect of completely clearing up the position in regard to the increased Primage duty. The Minister of Customs once again pointed out that the additional duty is a reasonable expedient to assist in covering a deficit, and also that it is intended to be only temporary in its application. The Reformers, in opposing the Bill, were faced with this difficulty, that they had admitted the principle of Primage duty as sound by maintaining the 1 per cent levy as long as they were in office. Their arguments evidently made no impression on the Labour members, who declined to support Mr. Coates' amendment —virtually a No-Confidence motion —on the ground that they would not put the United Government out to let Reform in. As Mr. Holland said, Labour still maintains that it is a mistake to levy Customs duties for revenue. But in the circumstances Labour is prepared to take what it can get, and the concessions offered by the Government are all that can be expected just now. The Bill's schedule sets out a long list of commodities which will be relieved of the additional primage after March 31 next, and the Prime Minister's promise still stands, that the extra duty will then be lifted completely if the country's financial position permits. The objection that this change can be made only by Order-in-Council is hardly valid, in view of the fact, that this is a matter of relieving the taxpayer and not of imposing fresh burdens. But the fact that the country may have to wait for three or four months after the close of the financial year to secure further relief from Parliament is certainly an argument for the opening of the session some time before June.