INTER-EMPIRE TRADE

Hawera Star, Volume L, 23 October 1930, Page 5

INTER-EMPIRE TRADE

DISCUSSION ON QUOTAS

Tv ' BRITISH EXPERT’S SILENCE SPOKESMAN QUESTIONED (United Frees Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) LONDON, Oct. 21. When, if at' all, will British experts submit a report on tariffs?” was the crucial question put 'to the British spokesman for the Imperial Conference to-night. It waist admitted Mr Graham’s committee had mot received that report and room was left for doubt whether it would. It was indicated that the committee to-day had not encountered snags in discussing details of quotas applicable to wheat, butter, canned fruits and tinned salmon, on which it was hoped on Friday to begin drafting a report. Tho way would still be open for the Dominion delegates to make any reply on tariffs. Despite <Mr Snowdm’s speech last night, the spokesman insisted that the British point of view on tariffs- had 1 been clearly stated before the heads 'of tire '.derogations, who before the conference had been acquainted with the j British vie.wpbint. Britain would' like iC 'rgTpresemt. facts, and figures justifying ifs conclusion, thought it was prepared ro listen to controverting facts and figures which the Dominions thought likely tie convert the British Cabinet members. ‘‘ r think everyone knows thei posi-| tion 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 doer closing. Another Dominion delegate asked if Mr Snowden reflected the Cabinet’s viewpoint when he said yesterday: “An unfounded rumour has appeared in the newspapers that the Government is considering an all-round 10 per cent, import duty for revenue, but no Government in' which I am Charmcellar will ever seriously consider such a criminal proposal. ” The spokesman took refuge in the counsel: “Use your own. judgment.” The Australian Press Association has rho best authority for saying that Mr Snowden early in the debate' on October 0 advised the: Dominion delegates to put the idea, of food taxes out of their heads, but Mr Ramsay MacDonald ventured the saving phrase that the door was stilt open to further argument, in tlreir favour.

ATMOSPHERE OF HOPE There is an atmosphere of hope in Australian circles to-night that- a quota system, especially in wheat, wall be the outcome of the discussions. It is recognised it would be more hoping for the moon to expeeit an, extension of preferences; therefore, it is l argued it would be foolish to reject a quota that assures Australia of virtual preference over Argentine: wheat. 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 or an economic committee so that if circumstances turn in

favour of preferemceis there will' he mp-to-date data, on which to implement "V4fthc.m. Thou f, r h butter was mentioned at today’s discussion the New Zealand view that the idea, isq uniworka-blei owing to the variations ini seasons and qualities remains unshaken. It is am accurate forecast, to say that when the Graham committee ’s report reaches the heads 1 both Australia and New Zeal and will again, affirm' the view that preference is the only satisfactory method of hull ding Empire trade.

The Graham committee to-day turned from the question of utilising the quota system for United Kingdom wheat- imports and discussed the possibility of applying .such systems as the quota, bulk purchase and import boards to other commodities, including butter, canned fruit and fish. The committee met both morning and afternoon and hopes by frequent meetings to be able by Friday to consider in rough outline its l report to the heads of the delegations. This committee, while taking into consideration during its discussions the possibility of tariff changes, is not charged' ticl report specifically on the subject of tariff proposals put forward caTrlioT in the confeTenee by, among others, the Canadian. Prime Minister. Those proposals arc still, under examination ini the United Kingdom, departments of State, which have not yet completed the task.