A MINISTER IN LONDON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 6

A MINISTER IN LONDON.

A new method of approach to trade negotiations in London has been foreshadowed by the Prime Minister. In the past the Dominion has relied upon the representation of the High Commissioner, or has sent a special Ministerial mission. There are disadvantages in both these arrangements. The High Commissioner has his hands full with other duties, and a special mission is handicapped by the need of establishing contacts with British Ministers and leadeis of British opinion. Usually the time allowed is so curtailed that the mission is a flying visit, with a headlong rush at the end, and no Minister, in such circumstances, can do himself or his country full justice.

There is not necessarily any political issue involved in a suggestion of this kind. It is a question of how the trade of the country can be promoted to the best advantage, and is therefore a national matter. Of course, the policy of the Government in its handling of exports and in its proposals to develop markets by State control of produce raise issues and problems that are new, but the suggestion which Mr. Savage makes is commendable on other and well-established grounds. A Minister who has to take part in London discussions should have the opportunity to study the situation on the spot, and he should not be rushed by the need of making an early steamer connection for his return. At the same time he should be a strong member of the Government, and such a member can be least spared.