BRITAIN WILL AIM AT UNITY.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 106, 8 May 1907, Page 5

BRITAIN WILL AIM AT UNITY.

But Preserve Freetrade.

Press Association —Copyright. Received May 7,11.18 p.m. London, May 7. At the Conference to-day, Mr Lloyd George spoke for nearly three hours. He said the declared policy of England being Free Trade they could not admit the request of the colonial delegates being supported, though Government were anxious in every way to do all possible for the colonies and help to cement unity. He said a large section in England were too poor to admit of any increase in the price of food stuffs, and he was afraid it would be the same for years to come. If preference hat', been agreed to, and a duty on wheat imposed, it would be a hardship to the consumer, as taking wheat as a typical caso, the self-governing colonies were not able to supply sufficient wheat for England in the meantime, and consequently prices would rise That was the opinion of Government. He declared that a Conservative Government when in office removed the duty on coal for the same reason, and that if they again gained power they would not impose a duty on coal now. He stated tbat the Conservatives were divided on the question of protection. He quoted statistics to show that England had increased her export trade almost equal to that of America, Germany and Prance during the last ten years: Though he could not agree to duties they were willing to assist in other ways. He paid a high compliment to Sir Joseph Ward for his suggestions in the important speech delivered by him, as being most valuable. With a view of helping the colonies they would show the sincerity of j the Government. In their desire to do so they would make provision for representative commercial agents) what they would term "Imperial commercial travellers," in the various selfgoverning colonies to assist in disseminating information and obtaining what was required for assistance of traders. The question of subsidy to steamers was a difficult' one and he saw great difficulty in applying subsidies to what are termed ordinary cargo carriers, but Sir Joseph Ward's suggestion for a fast service to bring the colonies and England closer together had his sympathy and that of the Government. He understood that Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mr Deakin supported the suggestion, and if practical proposals were feubmitted they would receive favorable consideration of Government. Bringing the colonies closer to England was most important. He was also in favor of doing what was possible to help :n the reduction of Suez fiftrml dues, and anything that could be done in this direction to assist on the Unas suggested by Sir Joseph Ward would be favorably considered. Idr Deakin stated that "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Mr Lloyd-George said the policy of Government was one of free trade, and they and their party had been returned upon that, although other elements of course came into the election, but they oould not reverie their policy. Mr George, adopting the interrogative form, Mr Deakin frequently replied, and others occasionally. Mr George said Government were willing to consider the suggestion though nothing will induce them to change their position regarding the United Kingdom's tariff. He challenged Sir W. Lyne's and Mr Smart's statements and arguments and reviewed the United Kingdom's position gauged by the test of growth of exports and imports. Pro- - tectionist rivals admitted that while British trade with the rest of the colonies was satisfactorj Australia's position was unsatisfactory and called for full enquiry. Whatever was acting could be applied since it alone showed a considerable decline in British imports. He contrasted Britain's circumstances with Germany's and France's, as while maintaining highest wages and shortest hours British skilled labour was yielding goods of the highest value.