TRADE PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 21711, 4 May 1934, Page 9

TRADE PROBLEMS

BRITAIN AND THE DOMINIONS QUESTION IN COMMONS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 2. In the House of Commons, replying to a question by Mr G. Mander as to whether he would consider the advisableuess of a general consultation with the dominions on the issues raised by New Zealand’s inquiry as to the possibility of an agreement on mutually free markets, Mr Ramsay MacDonald said that the Government had received no indication from any of the dominions that such an arrangement was desired or would be acceptable to them. Therefore lie saw no reason to think that such consultation would have any advantage. CANNOT SACRIFICE THE FOREIGNER . LONDON, May 2. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ political correspondent, discussing the New Zealand freetrade inquiry, says: “The Government will assure the dominions that the refusal to sacrifice the foreigner is due solely to the need for retaining Britain’s export market. It should in no way be regarded as an act of unfriendliness towards the dominions.” An editorial urges the Government to continue to seek an agreement with the dominions on quantitative lines, affording the producer a higher price for smaller supplies. TRADING WITH DENMARK (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 2. The Auglo-Danish trade agreement became operative in June, 1933, and Dr E. L. Burgin (Finance Secretary to the Board of Trade) said in the House of Commons that during the nine months ended March 31 last the total declared value of imports from Denmark amounted to £25,926,000, while the exports to Denmark amounted to £9,722,000, Including re-exports valued at £502,000. CONSULTATION PROBABLE [Pea United Pkess Association.] WELLINGTON, May 3. A cable message published yesterday suggested • the possibility of an early consultation between the British Government and the dominions on the subject of the Ottawa agreement, particularly in reference to meat.. The agreement covering the importation of meat into Great Britain will expire on June 30, and the question is thus one of some urgency. Inquiries made in official quarters indicate that so far no definite proposal has been made by the British Government, hut it is expected that word of its desires in the matter will be received shortly. Until then it is impossible to say what form the consultations will take, but the view taken in Government circles is that the dominions will take part in the negotiations through their representatives in London.