EMPIRE TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14701, 19 June 1911, Page 7

EMPIRE TRADE.

A ROYAL COMMISSION.

TO TOUR TSIE DOMINIONS.

AN IMPORTANT STEP. DECISION OP IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. (Received June 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 17. An important step relating to the trade of the British Empire was taken at the Imperial Conference yesterday. A debate on the trade of the, Empire was opened on the following resolution submitted by Australia:— That this Conference, recognising. the importance of promoting fuller development of commercial intercourse within the Empire, strongly urges that every effort should be made to bring about co-operation in commercial relations and matters of mutual interest.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in supporting the resolution, said it was difficult to secure improvement in the trade relations of the various parts of the Empire without more information. He therefore moved : That the Conference approach His Majesty the King to appoint a Royal Commission representing Great Britain and the Overseas Dominions, to investigate the natural resources of all parts of the Empire; the development attained and attainable; the facilities for production, manufacture, and distribution; the trade of each part of the Empire with other parts, and with the outside world; the food and raw material requirements of eacli part and the sources thereof, and the available sources ; also to what extent trade between the different parts of the Empire is affected by existing legislation, beneficially or otherwise. Mr. Lewis Harcourt (Secretary for the Colonies) said the resolution was another step of the policy which had been, the governing note of the Conference, namely not Imperial concentration, but Imperial co-operation. In one respect the resolution might be misunderstood, and he proposed to add to the subjects to be dealt with by the commission the following:— By what methods consistent with the existing fiscal policy of each part of the Empire, the trade of the Empire and of its different parts can be improved and extended.

This, said Mr. Harcourt, would show that the commission was not intended to recommend one policy for the Dominions or for the Motherland, but that it was intended to make recommendations which would place the whole Empire in a better position for future co-operation. Mr. Fisher (Prime Minister of Australia) said the resolution was a practical way of dealing with a difficult question. The commission must look freely at every matter likely to afford useful information, and must not dogmatise to the different countries on the right methods of conducting their own affairs. It was essential that the commission should include men of the highest standing.

Senator Pearce (Australian Minister for Defence) said the proposal was a practical one. The addendum suggested by Mr. Ilarcourt was essential if a workable decision was to be arrived at.

Mr. Asquith stated that the Conference was indebted to Sir Wilfrid Laurier for a practical proposition, which would prepare the way—and possibly make the way plain—for effective action at next Conference or sooner. The commission would be an advisory body with a reference as wide as words could make it, without making suggestions to any of the States of the Empire regarding their own policy. Every Dominion would pursue the fiscal policy best suited to its requirements. The commission would visit every part of the Empire, and the Government would appoint the best men possible as members of the commission.

Mr. Fisher said the Australian Commonwealth would be ready to share the expense of the commission. This burden ought not to rest entirely on the Motherland. Sir Joseph Ward and Sir Wilfrid Laurier also said the Overseas Dominions ought to share the expense. Mr. Asquith said he was grateful for this suggestion coming from overseas representatives. The amended resolution was passed.