POPULAR STEP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 283, 30 November 1931, Page 7

POPULAR STEP.

AGRICULTURE POLICY. Farming Interests Give Thanks To Government. QUOTA AND TARIFF. (British Official Wireless.) ■ v (Received 11 a.m.) . RUGBY, November 29. British agricultural interests are very well pleased with the Government's decision to apply the principle of the quota to home-grown wheat of milling quality and to introduce in a few days a bill to apply tariffs to luxury agricultural imports. Legislation on the quota will be introduced to enable the scheme to become effective for next year's wheat crop. Its object is to secure for Home farmers a certain market at an enhanced price, subject to a statutory maximum. ; ■Resolutions expressing thanks to the Government have been forwarded by the Conservative party's agricultural committee, by the National Farmers' Union and by bodies with similar interests. It is understood that the scheme will follow the general lines of the quota system which was worked out by the Minister of Agriculture under the Labour Government, Dr. Addison, and that the present intention to apply it is the result of a decision by a completely united Cabinet. The system is to be limited at first to wheat, in order to gain administrative experience, which should assist if the principle later is applied to other cereals which might present certain complications. ■ Luxury Products. Wheat miljers are rationalised, and no difficulties are anticipated in working the quota, which the newspapers anticipate will be at about 15 per cent. They estimate that a rise of 10/ a quarter in British wheat prices would mean under one farthing increase in the cost of the 41b loaf.

The luxury agricultural and horticultural products which, are to be subject to taxes under the bill which the Government will introduce next week are: — Fresh fruits: Cherries, currants, gooseberries, hothouse grapes, plume and strawberries. Fresh vegetables: Asparagus, beans, broccoli, cauliflower*, carrots, chicory, cucumbers, endive, lettuce, mushrooms, green peas,'" new potatoes and turnips. Flowers, -etc.: Cut flowers, plants in flower, bulbs and rose trees. . . .

The procedure is to be similar to that applied to manufactured articles under the Abnormal Importations , Customs Bill, and the duties, which are not to exceed 100 per cent of the value of the articles, will be specified by orders made by the Minister of Agriculture. The new .Act will operate for 12 months.

The Socialist party has decided to oppose the new duties on agricultural produce. , , .

German, Dutch and Belgian Ministers in London have been instructed to protect the interests of these countries as they are affected by the special duties passed in Britain.

GERMAN REQUEST.

FRIENDLY RELATIONS SOUGHT

BERLIN, November 29.

The German Government, through its Ambassador in London, has requested Britain : to enter immediately into friendly relations regarding the position created by the new British Customs duties.

FRANCE ANXIOUS.

SEVERE BRITISH DUTIES

PARIS, November 29

.The Minister of Commerce, M. Eollon, told the Cabinet that the British tariff would affect French goods . valued at £8,000,000. If it were extended to agricultural produce it would affect £10,000,000 worth.

M. _Flandin, Minister of Finance, is visiting London over the week-end.