BETTER TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1937, Page 5

BETTER TRADE

GENEVA REPORT HICHER LIVING STANDARD. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). GENEVA, September 18. The Economic Committee’s report, to the League Assembly urges a reduction of trade barriers and otrier restrictions, though it. does not believe that a conference on international trade would be opportune at present. It suggests that Governments make a joint declaration on the lines of the tripartite agreement, of 1956 affirming common objectives in the matter of trade barriers and setting out the manner in which they propose to proceed.

A memorandum by Mr F. L. McDougall is published as an appendix. It urges Governments to attack the low standards of living so as to create an important alternative demand for the products of the industries that at present are engaged in rearmament. Governments should agree to better conditions and remuneration for labour, and more extensive social services. Working class purchasing power should be increased by keeping retail costs at reasonable levels. If improved standards of living were brought in the Far East, they would open new possibilities of recovery.