EMPIRE PREFERENCE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 29 September 1928, Page 9

EMPIRE PREFERENCE

GOVERNMENT POLICY. IN PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES. RT. HON L. M. S. AMERY EXPLAINS. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association—United Service.; Received 12.50 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Sept. 28. The Conservative conference at Yarmouth unanimously resolved to urge that all Government contracts should give preference to home and Empire goods. ... . . The Rt. Hon. L. C. M, S.. Amery, on behalf of the Government, said that they unreservedly accepted the motion, which the Imperial Conference had adopted, and had instructed all departments to give effective and substantial preference to home and Empire products. Apart from oil fuel, the Admiralty purchased 98f per cent, of its requirements inside the Empire. Ninety-eight per cent, of the meat supplies for the three services was bought in the Empire, but unlimited preference was impossible, as the interests of the taxpayer and the general community must be watched.

Replying to a speaker who complained of the Rost Office buying foreign bronze wire, Mr, Amery said that they were prepared to pay substantially in excess of foreign tenders, but were not prepared to pay British rings an excessive price.