CANADA'S CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 187, 9 August 1932, Page 7

CANADA'S CASE.

REPLY BY BRITAIN.

Wheat Preference Discussed

At Ottawa. EFFECT ON WORLD PRICES. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 12.30 p.m.) OTTAWA, August 8. It is officially announced that the British delegation has sent a written communication to the Canadian, replying to the latter's proposals, in this regard confirming the reports that Canada's original reciprocal scheme was unsatisfactory in certain points. There is no question of disagreement. The Britishers merely point out further concessions which they consider Canada should grant in order to make a fair business deal.

The British Ministers again conferred for 90 minutes with Messrs. Bruce and Gullett, Australia. The conversations are proceeding smoothly and will continue to-morrow. Mr. Bruce is pleased with the progress made.

There are naturally many difficult points requiring prolonged discussion, but there is no inseparable obstacle to a mutually satisfactory agreement, which is expected within a few days.

It appears probable that Australia will be the first Dominion to reach finality.

Mr. Bruce maintains a scrupulous silence regarding the concessions Australia is prepared to make. Cereals Committee. The Cereals Committee held its first meeting. Mr. H. H. Stevens (Canada) is chairman. As was expected he presented a strong request for wheat preference, the details of which were kept a close secret. It is variously reported as 5 per cent, or four cents to five cents a bushel, and 2/ per quarter. Also as an alternative a restriction on Russian wheat. The general atmosphere of the wheat position is that Britain may grant Canada's request, even though Australia is only lukewarm on that matter, being convinced that preference is hardly of any value. It is difficult for Britain to refuse preference, seeing that Canada, for internal political purposes, is so strongly pressing her claim. Moreover, whatever the result, it is generally agreed that the British consumers will not be prejudiced because world prices cannot be affected in view of the Empire's surplus production. Australia is firmly taking up the position that the wheat preference should not be regarded as a concession from Britain to Australia. The Currency Committee further considered the experts' report outlining schemes of raising prices and stabilising exchange. Important fundamental policies have been discussed, and it is expected that the committee's report will be presented at the plenary session within the next few days. Shipping Interests. The Sub-Committee for Economic Cooperation' is continuing its investigations and it is expected that there will still be 10 days' intensive work ahead for the conference. The Dominion delegations are gratified that- Canada's delay has not debarred the British representatives from continuing individual negotiations. Mr. Coates has been appointed chairman of the Shipping Committee, on which Mr. Bruce represents Australia, the others being Britain and Canada. The committee preliminarily discussed America's participation in the Pacific trade to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. SPECIAL STAMPS. FOR THE KING'S COLLECTION. (Received 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, August 8. A special air mail was flown to Montreal, tc be carried to the United Kingdom by the Empress of Britain, including a letter from the Governor-General, the Earl of Bessborough, to the King bearing for the King's collection 12 specially printed Empire Conference air mail stamps.

EMPIRE PRODUCE.

GRADING AND STANDARDS.

(Received 10.30 a.m.)

OTTAWA, August 8,

The sub-committee investigation into the grading and standards of agricultural products surveyed the steps taken by the Dominions following the 1930 conference resolution advocating the establishment of reasonable unity in grading and standards. It was found that little action could be taken although the various parts of the Empire had made tentative, independent moves.

■Ireland had established minimum standards for eggs, butter, meat and potatoes, Australia and New Zealand have a long list of established grades, and Canada has definite grading, notably in grain. It is still considered highly desirable to arrange Empire unity in this respect, because it would reduce waste and avoid confusion, besides giving cheaper advertising.