AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21243, 15 August 1934, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS

Country Party Policy TARIFF ENQUIRY URGED BY DR. PAGE (imi'Kt. J.R833 ASSOCIATIuS-H* ELICUUC TELEORAI'U— COI'YIUOBT.) (Received August 15, 12.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 14. The Australian Country party policy for the Federal elections was outlined by the leader, Dr. Earle Page, in a broadcast address tolight. Its main objective will be a demand for a general tariff enquiry to determine: What industries are essential and natural. What industries hamper the progress of others. What secondary industries are a burden on the primary industries. What is the maxfmum possible preference to Britain. What is the best method of bargaining with other countries tor favourable trade treaties. Dr. Page advocated the manufacture of readily-consumable goods in preference to capital equipment and heavy engineering goods. He urged the extension of the Ottawa treaties and reciprocal foreign treaties, and a conference of leaders of British and Australian industries to determine spheres of co-operation. Another important aspect of the party's policy urges the continuance of the present exchange rate, arc! the appointment of an expert commission of enquiry to advise what rate would best secure equilibrium between costs and prices in the export industries. The commission would also advise on the whole question of banking and currency and schemes of credit reform or expansion. Fighting Embargoes Discussing wool, wheat, and butter, Dr. Page propounded a case for "Buy wrere we will," in order to counter the German and Italian embargoes on wool. He intends to fight for the continuance of a homo consumption price for both wheat and butter, and for tariff revision which he claims would ensure debt relief, tax remission, and reduced rents and costs for producers. Above all, he will rcfsist any attempt at restriction cjf meat exports. ' j After explaining the severe dis- I abilities of the farmers, Dr. Page I suggested co-operation between the I Commonwealth and the States, in ! an organised plan for reducing i Crown debts, affording financial re- j lief over three years bv the provis- ' ion of a loan of £12.000,000, the in- I terest on which would be provided i out of Commonwealth revenue. He claimed that the Commonwealth Government should control orderlv marketing in all forms of trade and commerce, while Commonwealth courts should determine minimum wages and hours, leaving detailed arrangements to local bodies. His party believed that the Commonwealth should work in close collaboration with the British defence forces. Dr. Page also explained in what manner the Country party proposed to aid workers and pensioners, and to extend facilities for cheap homes, j