Vitally Concerned In British Market

Northern Advocate, 2 April 1946, Page 2

Vitally Concerned In British Market

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) asked the Associated Chambers of Commerce for opinions on world trade, in view of coming international conferences. The chambers have made the following points: "New Zealand is more vitally concerned with the United Kingdom market than is any other component of the British Empire. Of New Zealand exports 84 per cent, go to the United Kingdom: of Australian, 56 per cent.; of Canadian, 39 per cent.; of South African, 38 per cent.: of Indian. 34 per cent. "These figures mean that New Zealand is in a different category, not only from other nalions at large, but also from other countries within the British Empire, in her almost complete dependence on the United Kingdom market, and that in consequence the maintenance of this country s expoit market in such manner and at such level as is at present provided by the Ottawa Agreement preference is ol the greatest importance to New Zealand. ADVERSE EFFECT "In view of the forgoing it is the opinion of the Associated Chambeis that no steps should be taken which would in any way adversely affect the assured market New Zealand has in the United Kingdom at remunerative prices for the whole of its exports under the Ottawa Agreement. "We would draw special attention to clause nine of the Ottawa Agi cement, which states: ‘His Majesty's Government in. New Zealand undei - takes that protection by tariff shall be afforded only to those industries which are reasonably assured of sound opportunities for success. In our view Ihe lull honouring of this clause is not practicable under the present import control system operating in the Dominion.

"We urge that the representatives of farming and manufacturing who are to accompany the New Zealand delegation to the trade conference should be given official status on the delegation, and that a representative of importing be included in the delegation, also with official status.