IMPERIAL TRADE PREFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume L, Issue 5138, 2 April 1919, Page 5

IMPERIAL TRADE PREFERENCE.

TARIFF DISCUSSION IN HOUSE

OF COMMONS

FULFILMENT OF PREMIER’S PROMISES URGED.

MATTER MAY BE DEALT WITH IN BUDGET. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 2, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON. March 26. In the House of Commons, Mr. Newman moved urging the Government to declare its policy respecting trade and Imperial preference without delay. He instanced the hopelessness of competing with Japanese cheap labor. British industry could not lay plans for the future until the fiscal policy was revealed. The election had given the Government a clear mandate for the Premier’s declared policy of protecting the key of the industries, Imperial preference, and preventing dumping during the war. Britain had spent her substance and must begin again to'Tnake her fortune.

Mr. Donald McLean, in opposing the motion, said that the previous speaker had said much about protection, but little about preference. Mr. Bonar Law said the first need was to stimulate production. He repeated the Government's declaration of 1918, that it was intended to give effect to Imperial Preference at the earliest moment. Britain’s experience as regards sugar showed the need for developing the Empire’s production of that commodity. There was no guarantee that the war would be won without the help of the Domions’ troops. Was anyone prepared after that- to say that Imperial preference would not help ns?

Mr. Chamberlain said he was now •considering how to deal with the question in the forthcoming TTudget. There would he no hedging or hesitation when the time came to frame a scheme. Mr Lloyd George’s declaration regarding the key of the industries, dumping and preferenece would be fulfilled in the letter and the spirit, but complete examination was necessary.