EMPIRE TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 140, 15 June 1932, Page 5

EMPIRE TRADE.

PLANS FOR OTTAWA.

BASIS OF RECIPROCITY. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION. STATEMENT BY MR. FORBES. (Br Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") CHRI3TCHURCH, this day. Increased trade, between- the countries within the British commonwealth of nations is hoped for by the New Zealand Government as the result of the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa, and the efforts of the New Zealand delegation will be directed towards that end.

This announcement was made last evening by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, when lie outlined the Government's policy in connection with Ottawa. He said that already a good deal of discussion had taken place in Wellington between the British Trade Commissioner, Mr. L. A. Paish, and officers of the Customs Department in regard to various subjects which would encourage increased trade between New Zealand ar.d Britain. Cabled conversations had te ken place between the British Governments regarding matters to be dealt with at Ottawa. New Zealand, with one or two minor exceptions, had carried on the discussions through the High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Wilford, and had not had any direct communication with other Empire Governments. Quotas and Tariffs. "The whole point regarding Ottawa is that we are to have a round-table discussion as to how inter-Empire trade may be encouraged and increased," said Mr, Forbes. "The whole question of quotas and tariffs will be discussed. It has always been the policy of New Zealand to do its best to encourage British trade. The very substantial preferences which we have given in our tariff have had that effect, and we take double the quantity of British goods per head of population that arc taken by Australia and Canada."

Mr. Forbes emphasised that the. preferences which New Zealand had already accorded Britain were recognised and appreciated. He recalled that he had stated at the Imperial Conference two years ago that if Britain would extend preferences to the Dominion New Zealand would not be found wanting in making reciprocal concessions. It was recognised that it was of the utmost importance that New Zealand should extend her trade as far as possible with Britain, for that country took practically the whole of the Dominion's produce. Currency" Proposals. The Prime Minister does not think much progress will be made at Ottawa with the proposal to establish an Empire currency, especially in view of the fact that tlie Prime Minister of Great Britain has taken- steps to summon a conference of the leading nations of the world to discuss currency matters. Anything that would have a beneficial effect would have to be done by the .whole of the European nations and the United States.

"New Zealand manufacturers need not fear their position will be damaged by the policy adopted by Xew Zealand at Ottawa,"" replied Mr. Forbes, wlien the concern which has been expressed by manufacturers was mentioned to him. He said the Government recognised the importance of the manufacturing industries of the Dominion. Mr. Coates Still Undecided. No fresh developments have occurred in regard to the constitution of the New Zealand delegation since Mr. Forbes has been at his home in Cheviot. The question whether Mr. Coates will be one of the New Zealand representatives is still undecided. In view of the doubt whether Mr. Coates -will go, nothing has yet been decided as to the portfolios of Employment and Public Works. The portfolios of Customs and Finance, now held by the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, will be taken over by the Prime Minister while Mr Stewart is overseas. This was done when Mr. Stewart went to Honolulu to negotiate the Canadian trade treaty.