COMMONWEALTH TARIFF

Evening Star, Issue 17311, 26 March 1920, Page 4

COMMONWEALTH TARIFF

» . CONSUMERS NOT PROTECTED. Press Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association! SYDNEY March 25. _ The new tariff applies to fresh importations and also to goods in bond. Merchants during the past few months have been clearing stocks in ' anticipation of higher duties. The new principles include the provision of an intermediate scale distinct from the duties levied on British and other goods, which is to corne into force in the events of Australia making reciprocal arrangements with other countries for the granting of concessions in duties in return for other concessions. There also will be a_ deferred scale operating on a date coincident .with the establishment of certain new industries in Australia, and also provision for increased imposts on goods "dumped or .carried by specialty subsidised vessels at ballast rates. Regarding preferential increases affecting Britain and the Dominions willing to reciprocate, the tariff provides for Preference up to 25 per cent., with a number of items at 15 to 20 per cent. Increases are pronosed on soap, potted meats, pickles, confectionery, sauces, and similar goods where local coin? petition exists. To keep prices down Excise duty on industrial dematured spirits will be remitted considerably, and increased protection will be given on coal tar products and chemicals. There is an all-round increase of per cent, on machinery, and 5 to 10 per cent, on boots. The Excise duty on tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes is unaltered. Kerosene will be admitted free, beer duty will be raised 3d a gallon, and spirit duty by 2s to 3s a gallon from the United Kingdom and 4s from ether countries. Sugar is unaltered. Press comments on the tariff suggest that it will undoubtedly increase ""the already high Cost of Living, as, unfortunately, it contains no provision for the protection of the consumer.