EMPIRE TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1933, Page 5

EMPIRE TRADE

WITH DOMINIONS

OPPOSITION TO N.Z EXCHANGE.

.United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.;

LQNODN, May 23

In the Commons, Mr Perkins mentioned the nullifying of tariff concessions on British ready-made clothing by the alteration in tlie New Zealand exchange, and asked what steps the Government was taking to maintain British exports. Mr Thomas said that under article eight of the Ottawa agreement, inquiries into, existing protective duties would be held in June.

Mr Parkings: Will you explain to New Zealand it is impossible to continue to import their agricultural products unless the Dominion -is prepared to buy manufactured goods. Mr Thomas: I am quite sure that will be read with interest in New Zealand. We cannot make representations on a domestic matter like the exchange rate. Mr Thomas told Mr Hammersley thnt the general question of Japanese competition with British goods in Australia, was still engaging attention. Mr Hammersley: In view of the abnormal increase in Japanese imports into Anstralia, •will you invite the opinion of 'Australia as to the best way of dealing with the menace of these products of low-priced labour? i\lr Thomas said the question was applipablo to many parts of the worldBritain welcomed Australia’s opinion On this and other matters, From New Zealand a reply has been received accepting Britain milk restriction proposals. Australia’s reply is awaited.

The milk restriction is insignificant at present, being limited to , three months. It is unlikely to affect Australia’s and New Zealand’s exports. The Dominion representatives seekto learn what are Britain’s proposals regarding butter and cheese, but the Government seems to be unable to make up its mind, despite the Dominion representatives entering into its consultations, while those clamouring for the protection of the Home growers resultlessly press the Minister of Agriculture, Major Elliot, in the House of Commons.

the anglo-iceland treaty

DETAILS OF AGREEMENT

RUGBY, May 23

The commercial: agreement between thg United Kingdom and Iceland follows similar lines to those recently concluded with Norway and Denmark.Iceland undertakes that the import duties on certain goods in which the United Kingdom is interested will not exceed the spocifiod rates. Some of these include a duty at present of 15 per cent, and in certain cases, including cotton, linen and artificial silk, this has been reduced to ten per cent. Not loss than 67 per cent, of Iceland’s total coal imports will he obtained from the United Kingdom, who undertakes not to increase the existing import duty ten per cent, on fresh or salted fish from Iceland. In the event of the quantitative regulation being applied, not less than 354,000 hundredweights per year of fresh and wet salted fish will be admitted by the United Kingdom, A promise of the equitable treatment of chilled and frozen mutton and lamb from Iceland has also been given.

BRITISH TREATY WITH JAPAN

RUGBY, May 23

Th, 9 Rt. Hon. W. C. Runciman (President of the Board of Trade) explained in a Parliamentary answer that the recent notice of the withdrawal of the British terrorists of West Africa, from the Anglo-Japanes treaty was given in view of the fact that the Imperial oreference could not be introduced throughout these territories, owing to certain international obligations. It was not the intention to take similar action at present in respect to other colonies.

EMPIRE FAIR AT HONG KONG , HONG KONG, May 24.

Australia and New Zealand are prominently represented at a British Empire fair here, which synenrouises with Empire Day, and opens to-day, for -a week- The opening ceremony was performed by Governor Wm. Peel.

FOREIGN CONCERNS IN BRITAIN

RUGRY, May 23

'Since November, 1931., 254 new industries have been established in Britain, by, or with assistance of, foreign concerns, and it is anticipated by the Board of Trade that the number of their emolovees, now about 11,000, will increase to over 17,000 when the factories are fully occupied.

AUSTRALIA AND ROUMANIA

(Received Mav 25 at 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 24.

A statement has been issued on boh "If of the Louden office c'r 0 oilman in interests, which claims that an agreement has been conclude) between “powerful commercial groups” in Australia and Rouniania, with the object of d veioouis: reciprocal trade Australia if taking Roumanian petrol and oil, in return for wool and other products, ’’he first two shipments, totalling 500,000 gallons will shortly leave Constanzh.