QUOTAS THE ONLY HOPE

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1930, Page 5

QUOTAS THE ONLY HOPE

FOR EMPIRE TRADE Poor Chance for Butter I (Aus. and N.Z. Cable As LONDON, October 21. ‘ ‘When, if at all. will British ex- ■ ports submit a report on tariffs, was ' the crucial question put to the British ' spokesman to-night. It was admitted that Mr. Graham’s Committee had received the report. It was indicated that this Committee to-day had not encountered snags in discussing the details of quotas applicable to wheat, butter, canned fruits tinned’ salmon, on which the Committee hopes, on Friday, to begin drafting a report. The way will still be open for the Dominion delegates to make any reply on tariffs despite Mr. Snowden’s speech last night. The spokesman insisted that the British point of viewon tariffs was clearly stated before the heads of the delegation, who before the conference. were acquainted with the British viewpoint. Britain would like to present facts and figures justifying her conclusion, though she was quite prepared to listen to controverting facts and figures which the Dominions thought likely to convert the British members of the Cabinet. “I think everyone knows the position of the United Kingdom Government and delegation, but it has not been stated in a way to close the door.” The spokesman smiled, when asked whose foot was preventing the door closing. Another delegate of the Dominion ask6d if Mr. Snowden’s speech reflected Cabinet’s viewpoint. The spokes .man took refuge in the counsel “Use your own judgment.” The Australian Press Assn, has the best authority for saying that Mr. Snowden early in the debate on October 9, advised the Dominion delegates ‘“Get the idea of food taxes out of your heads.’’ but Mr. MacDonald ven- . tured a saving jdrrase that the door , was still open for further argument in their favour. i AUSTRALIA’S HOPES OF WHEAT QUOTA. There was an atmosphere of hope in Australian circles to-night that the , quota system especially for wheat, 1 would be the outcome of discussions. - It is recognised that it would be mere hoping for the moon to expect an extension of preferences, therefore it is argued it would be foolish to reject the quota, that assures Aus tralia of virtual preference over Argentine wh 'at. It is gathered that Australia’s policy, while accepting the quota, will be to have the subject of preferences kept permanently in view by the Empire Marketing Board of the Economic Committee, so that if circumstances turn in favour of preferences. there will be up-todate data on which to implement them. NEW ZEALAND DELEGATES. Though butter was mentioned at to day’s discussion, the New Zealand view that the idea is unworkable owing to variations in tho seasons qualities, remains unshaken.