“CONFERENCE DOOMED” FOOD TAX PROBLEMS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 28 October 1930, Page 5

“CONFERENCE DOOMED”

FOOD TAX PROBLEMS

FORBES PESSIMISTIC

PREFERENCES NOT ACCEPTED

(United Press Association —By Klectnc 'Xeiegia^ii

LONDON, Oct. 27. Mr G. W. Forbes, interviewed by the “Daily Telegraph” at Oxford, said the Imperial Conference was drifting and he feared it was doomed to be abortive. The whole question was wrapped up in food taxes. “Mr Snowden says distinctly there will be no food taxes and you cannot get beyond that,” said Mr Forbes. “Instead the Government is suggesting theoretical problems. We are practical people in the Dominions; we know things which will work but look upon theoretical things with suspicion. We cannot force the British Government to change its views and can only put forward our side. “My belief is the first thing Britain must do is to protect its industries. The manufacturers and farmers are carrying a heavy burden of taxation, yet they are asked to compete with countries where the burden is not so heavy. It simply cannot be done. , “The oeoole of . New Zealand will Aearn with regret the little advance has been made to promote trade ~ wilth Britain. Personally I have little hope of a solution of the problems through the quota system. “Britain has received a visit from our All Blacks and should think of the Dominions and Motherland in the light of a Rugby team. You will not get anywhere unless you adopt a team spirit. The department of the game in which we see most hope of improvement is in the passing. We in the Dominions have passed the hall of preference What I want to know is: ‘ls the Motherland going to pass the ball back to us?’ ” Mr Forbes on Sunday nieht visited the Rhodes Trust and addressed a meeting of the Raleigh Club at Rhodes House at Oxford.

NO FAITH IN QUOTA SYSTEM.

MR FORBES AND BY-ELECTION. LONDON, Oct. 26. The “Daily Express” brings in Mr G. W. Forbes to supply the test of its daily much displayed campaign against the ‘ official Conservative candidate in the South Paddington by-election. Condemning Mr Baldwin’s support of the wheat quota system, which the “Express” describes as “one of the most advanced Socialist measures of our time,” it describes as a bombshell an interview that Mr Forbes gave a Sunday paper in which he recapitulated his previously expressed lack of faith in the quota system and his belief that it is an unsatisfactory substitute for preference. The “Daily Express” claims that this is the greatest impetus its candidate has received in favour of a full policy of taxation on foreign foodstuffs and preferences throughout the Empire. Tt is significant that a news agency to-night sent out a statement by Mr Forbes; “I do not want my views to be broadcast. T do not want to be drawn into any local campaign.” l

CLOSER ECONOMIC UNITY. MR BALDWIN’S PROPOSALS. (British Official Wirelesu.) RUGBY, Oct. 25. Lord Elibank and Lord Melchett, who have been among the Conservative critics of Mr Stanley Baldwin’s recent pronouncements on questions of tariff modifications and Imperial preference, have issued a statement cordially welcoming Mr Baldwin’s latest declaration that he would negotiate with the Dominions with a free hand for closer economic unity in all respects. Lord Beaverbrook, whose Empire crusade movement has hitherto had the suppor of Lords Elibank and Melchett, has rejected Mr Baldwin’s proposal. Mr Baldwin will address his supporters on the whole subject of party police next Tuesday.