BRITISH TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1933, Page 5

BRITISH TRADE

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

DISCUSSION IN COMMONS

(British Official Wifeless.)

RUGBY. April 11

In the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked for an assurance that, before the Government were committed to any step s designed to secure the early return of Britain to tb e gold 'standard, an opportunity would be given for a discussion of the subject by the House. In reply. Mr Neville Chamberlain gaid the House wa s well aware of the general policy of the Government on this question, and that policy would not be changed without an ampl e opportunity for discussion.

When asked whether the recent considerable iriei'ens e in the stock of gold had anything t 0 do with the Government policy, the Chancellor r e pb e d in the negative, The British oversees trade figures for March show imports totalled £56,346,000 against £49,077,000 in February. Exports totalled £32,551,000 Jgain.yt- £27,928,030 in February. InMarch, 1932 the figures were ; -Imports £61,181,000 exports, £31,196.000. Th e increase in imports last month was chiefly in food, drink and tobacco. The increase in exports was 'chiefly articles wholly or mainly manufactured.

Th e Imperial Committee of Economic Consultation and Co-operation held dts initial meeting to-day and signed reports which will be submitted by the delegations to their respective Governments.

Hoh. W. C. R unci man (President of the Board of Trade) says he hopes to make a statement shortly regarding the progress of British trade negotiations with various countries. Questioned regarding the future of -rubber research. Mr Buncim.au said the British Government -recognised it was desirable that the work of the British Rubber Manufacturers’ Research Association should continue, and it had been decided to give a further apportunity for discussion on the rubber industry ,'by a Bill which shortly will be introduced in the House of Lords.