BRITISH EXPORTERS

Grey River Argus, 18 November 1946, Page 5

BRITISH EXPORTERS

WANT CONTINUED PREFERENCE FROM DOMINIONS LONDON, Nov. 17. The Association of British Chambers of Commerce, in a report, urges that the British Government at the world trade employment conference should resist pressure for the removal of imperial preference as the conditional precedent' to the commencement of International discussions on world trade barriers.

The report adds: “If the other nations should offer effective tariff reductions, the British negotiators should insist that preferences should . only be lifted in conjunction with adequate measures for general tariff reductions.” The association considers that the British Commonwealth of Nations, Colonies and Dependencies are as ■ much eantitlea to be regarded as a single unit as States comprising the -* United States and . those forming Russia. They therefore unquestion- / ably are entitled tto a much looser : and less exclusive economic association. which they prefer. The association expressed the opinion that the Dominions, in imposing their special protective tariffs j to foster new industries, should show :> consideration for the interests of the previous overseas suppliers, and J as much notice as possible should, j be given of the intention to protect 5 a new industry.

A time limit might be set for (tariffs in the first • stage of the new industry, which might need a higher degree of protection, than would be necessary when it is fully developed.