BRITISH TRADE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 34, 4 November 1937, Page 11

BRITISH TRADE

Pleas For Agreement With U.S.A. EFFECT ON EMPIRE COUNTRIES Modification Of Imperial Preference By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received November 3, 8.55 p.m.) London, November 3. In the House of Commons pleas to the Government to seize the opportunity of a trade agreement with tlie United States in which New Zealand, Australia, and Canada could co-operate and a modification of the system of Imperial preference were ma'de during the debate on the Liberal amendment to the Address-in-Reply. Mr. 11. Graham White (Liberal), seconding the amendment, protested against the fatalistic outlook which must relapse into depression. Confidence was undermined by the uncertainty of tlie wool market, which was disorganised through the Far Eastern trouble. America at present was holding out the hand of friendship, but would not hold it out indefinitely. It was certain New Zealand. Australia, and Canada would not oppose improved British and American relations. Mr. L. C. M. S. Amery (Conservative.) said the most effective way to develop the resources of the Dominions was to buy their products. Nevertheless, England and the Dominions would always want a certain volume of foreign trade. Mr. H. B. Lees-Smith (Labour) said the Dominions must increase their trade with foreign countries. New Zealand could not sell to Euglan'd the butter she could produce in the next generation. Half the Dominions’ trade was already foreign. Looking to the future they must realise that England's population was stationary. He advocated an intermediate tariff for the United States.

Sir Archibald Sinclair (Liberal) said the Empire countries would stand to gain more from economic appeasement and the restoration of world trade than they would lose by a modification of Imperial preference.

' The President of the Board of Trade. Mr. Oliver Stanley, said the possibility of further (development of migration must depend on Dominion sentiment and their belief in their ability to absorb migrantsThe amendment was defeated by 363 votes to 146. The motion to adopt the address wag carried without a division.