PREFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 33, 8 August 1923, Page 5

PREFERENCE

IN IMPERIAL TRADE

EXPLANATIONS REQUIRED

AS TO WHAT DOMINIONS WANT.

' UNITE!) PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPIRIGHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN • NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION*) LONDON, 7th August.

The "Daily Telegraph," in an editorial on the Economic Conference and preference, says: "It Would be discourteous aud foolish to meet the Dominion proposals with a flat negation or the blunt pre-war assertion that preference means a tax on food. Since Mr. Chamberlain started his preference campaign the international trade outlook has changed. The war and its aftermath have complicated the situation. .It would be heipful to have the case stated anew in the form in which it presents itself to a fresh mind like that of Mr. Bruce."

The "Telegraph" points out: "We already give preference, so the principle is established and will continue. We have to treat the question as one of expediency., and determine now far the preferential policy can safely be extended to other goods. We want to know what the Dominions would like in the way of preference, and also what they are prepared to do in return. Mr. Bruce will no doubt tell which Australian exports spceially need the assistance of a tariff to overcome the disadvantages of distance and compete on even terms in our markets with foreign^ goods that have not so far to come. He can also explain what Australia has done, and may do hereafter, to give British manufacturers preference in her highly protected markets. A stream of such facts from the Dominions would clear away many misconceptions and impart freshness to the discussions.