BRITISH GOODS

Evening Star, Issue 18811, 9 December 1924, Page 5

BRITISH GOODS

THE PREFERENTIAL TARIFF. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 9. The representations of the Canadian Government for a reduction from 75 per cent, to 50 per cent, of the basis of material and workmanship of British origin recently imposed by Australia and New Zealand on manufactured imported goods to qualify for the British preferential tariff were discussed by the Minister of Customs and Industries and Commerce (the Hon. W. D. Stewart), who set out the difficulties in the way of such a concession. “Tho Government agreed,” said the Minister, “ to give a trial to the 75 per cent, proposal in view of the groat importance of maintaining a uniform practice both in Australia and in New Zealand, as otherwise exporters wpuld be put to grave inconvenience. Recently the Government has received representations from Canada with respect to the adoption of the 50 per cent, basis in lieu of the 75 per cent, basis, and is at present communicating with 1 lie Governments of that country and Australia. It should, however, bo recognised that, in coming to a decision, it is necessary to view' tho matter from many angles. Consideration had to be given, among other things, to the. interests of our own manufactures and of those in other parts of tho British Empire; and also to (ho difficulties which are created for the exporters of each dominion which adopts an independent system involving different forms of a certified invoice, with consequent delay and inconveniences caused to importers in New Zealand and elsewhere through the documents not being in order when'tho goods arrive.”