IMPERIAL CO-OPERATION IN TRADE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9541, 19 June 1911, Page 3

IMPERIAL CO-OPERATION IN TRADE.

PRACTICAL SOLUTION OP DIFFICULT PROBLEM.

ROYAL COMMISSION ON FISCAL MATTERS.

(By Elbotwo Thlkouaph—Copyright.) (Per Press Association.) LONDON, Juno 17. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in supporting the Commonwealth trade resolution, said it was difficult to secure- improvement without more information. He therefore moved that the Conference approach the King to appoint a Royal Commission representing Great Britain and the Overseas Dominions to investigate the natural resources, development attained and attainable, facilities for production, manufacture and distribution of trade from each part of the Empire with others, and our side of the world) also as to food and raw material, tho requirements of.each and tho sources thereof available, _ and to what extent trado between tho different parts was affected by existing legislation, beneficially or otherwise. Mr Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonies, said tho resolution was another stop in the policy which was tho governing note of the Conference, namely not Imperial concentration, but Imperial cooperation. In one respect the resolution might bo misunderstood, and ho proposed; to add "by what methods'consistent with' tho-existing fiscal policy can each part'of tho trado of the Empiro be improved and extended." This would show that'the Commission did not intend to make the recommendations as one of a policy of the,: Dominions or the Mother Land, but. to put tho whole Empire in a better position for future operation. Mr Fisher said tho resolution was.a practical way of dealing' with difficult questions. Tho Commission must look freely at every matter likely .'to. afford.' useful information and not dogmatise; on the right methods which tho '■ different; countries conduct their own_ affairs.. ..It" was essential that tho Commission should; include men of high standing.^^-g: Mr Pearco said the proposaL mefcUho, position practically, andyi wouldVcnabli', thorn to deal with trado matters'..' : .,.';'V:',V Mr Asquith said tho C6nferenco,was/.indebted to Sir Wilfrid Laurier for ..liisipractical proposition. It would prepare the;, way and possibly make the way plain for,, effective- action at next; ■■ Conference ■ or. sooner. The Commission; should be an -ads visory body. Every Dominion should pur: sue ii fiscal policy best .■.suited to.„its,;roV quircmonts. The Commission .should .visit every part of tho Empire,' and the J&o\:-, eminent secure tho best linen possible;-.';';-'.-^ Mr Fisher said the Commonwealth was ready to share the expenso..'of : ;.tl)o,:.biii:-; den/which ought not to;rest;entirely;;W the' Mother Land. ]: :r 'l'. u'^fHff: Sir Joseph Ward and :Sir.':Wilfrid..;Laur : ier thought similarly. MrilAsquifh:-saidl ho was grateful for tlia'suggesta;.'- ■ , The amended resolution ".was .passed;;;,.