TARIFF POLICY OF EMPIRE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27132, 31 August 1953, Page 9

TARIFF POLICY OF EMPIRE

Commonwealth To Back Britain

(N.Z. Press Association-Copyright)

(R ec 8 pan.) LONDON, August 28. lhe Commonwealth countries will back Britain if, at the next session of G.A.T.T. (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), she asks the other nations to meet particular British tariff difficulties, Reuter’s financial correspondent said today.

The object of any such approach would be to enable Britain to continue duty-free entry for Commonwealth goods, m spite of increases that might become necessary in duties to protect British domestic industry, and agriculture.

There was general recognition at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers economic conference last November and December of the value of the existing preferences, but there are differing views among the Commonwealth members on the proposal that all Commonwealth countries should join in seeking release from the “no new preference” rule in G.A.T.T.

Some Commonwealth countries support this proposal, but others feel that such an approach would not advance the agreed objective of restoring multilateral world trade.

The Empire Industries Association and the British Commonwealth League said today that the announcement by the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) that he intends to demand reconsideration of G.A.T.T. one leading member of the Commonwealth is convinced that Commonwealth trade policy has been barking up the wrong tree.” “No-one can complain that G.A.T.T. has not been given a fair trial,” said a statement.

“No harm was done as long as a world-wide sellers’ market existed, but now when a buyers’ market has taken its place, it is becoming increasingly evident that Great Britain and her sister members cannot sustain the handicap placed upon the development of their trade.”

The British Commonwealth League cabled Mr Menzies yesterday applauding his statement.