SHARP DENIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 205, 30 August 1934, Page 11

SHARP DENIAL.

"FREE TRADE OFFER.'' DOMINION AND BRITAIN. MINISTER HITS OUT. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. A flat denial that the New Zealand Government had made the reciprocal free trade offer to Great Britain, as has been frequently alleged during recent Parliamentary debates, was issued by the Minister of Customs, Mr. Coates, in the House of Representatives last night, when replying to the second reading debate on the Customs Act Amendment Bill.

The Minister was referring to the prospects of trade agreements with various countries, having the tariff as a basis, when Mr. R. McKeen (Labour, Wellington South), interjected: "Similar to the offer you made to the British Government—lowering your tariffs here."

"Do you seriously think the Government made that offer?" retorted Mr. Coates. '"If you are referring to the cablegram, I know of nothing more deliberately unfair than that. No such offer was made my this Government."

Mr. E. J. Howard (Labour, Christchurch South): This is the first time the Government has ever said that. '

"I think you are entirely mistaken," the Minister replied. "No such ofTer was ever made, and if members will read the British Hansard they will find that Sir. J. 11. Thomas, confirmed that statement. It is true that some trade interests tried to make out that an offer was made. Every member of the Houso knows what the position is, and if tho statement is repeated, it is just pure politics. I have given Mr. McKeeu an answer, but I know lie will go on repeating his statements. If he wants deliberately to misrepresent me, let him carry on; good luck to him. In any event I am not very interested in what lie says."

air. Howard: It is the first time you have given a direct denial. The Minister: It is not, and you know