TARIFF POLICY IN AUSTRALIA .

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25089, 22 January 1947, Page 3

TARIFF POLICY IN AUSTRALIA .

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION PROPOSED

(N .Z.. 'Press Association—Copy right) CANBERRA, January 21. “While it will be necessary to contemplate some tariff reductions, the Australian Government intends to proceed with its plans for the progressive industrialisation of the country, and it will, where necessary, impose additional protective tariffs,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Chifley) last night.

“The efficiency of Australian industry has progressively increased,” he continued. “The Tariff Board, in its annual report, has drawn attention to the improvement in the competitive strength of local manufacturers. Increased technical skill in many industries is an important factor in making Australian industry, as a whole, less dependent on tariff protection than was the case before the war. The Australian manufacturing industry, in fact, is now seeking an outlet for parts of its- production in overseas markets.

“Australia is particularly dependent on world markets for the sale of many important primary and secondary products, and it has much to gain from tariff reductions by other countries and the reduction of other barriers to Australian exports, even though the securing of these will require a review of some Australian tariff rates.”