RECIPROCITY

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1924, Page 7

RECIPROCITY

REDUCTION IN DUTIES . CANADA AND AUSTRALIA EFFECT OP NEW AGREEMENT. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.) MELBOURNE, 28th September. In connection with the reciprocal trade agreement between Canada and Australia, Mr. Bruce explained that under the agreement Australia would grant Canada a reduction of duty on twelve items, and the Commonwealth would receive a reduction on fourteen items. The Commonwealth concessions embraced two schedules. The first comprised goods to which the British preferential tariff applies, including fresh, dried, and preserved fish, gloves, printing, and electrotyping machinery, adding and .computing j machines, cash registers, and paper, in- j eluding newsprint. The second schedule, on which the intermediate tariff applies and includes corsets, rubber, boots and shoes, iron and steel tubes and pipes, and propelled machinery parts. Canada grants the Commonwealth preference as regards fresh and tinned meats, lard, tallow, eggs, cheese, butter, onions, dried and canned fruits, vegetables, wines and a few other items. Mr. Bruce claimed that the arrangement was a, step towards a realisation of the ideal of Empire-wide preference. It included only a limited number of items, but he was confident it would so increase the trade between the two countries that an extension would be found practicable and desirable. Mr. Pratten, Minister of Trade, said the arrangement provided an excellent opportunity for entry into a large and profitable market, of which he hoped primary exporters would be able to take full advantage. Formal resolutions for the ratification of the schedules will be introduced into both Houses and will be debated during the coming' week. It is stated that tho treaty cannot operate before next January, as the Canadian Parliament does not meet till then.