BRITISH TRADE POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17110, 15 March 1919, Page 9

BRITISH TRADE POLICY.

FREE-TRADERS PROTEST. DEFINITE OUTLINE WANTED. A. and N.Z. LONDON. Mar. 18. Continuing his speech on the Government's trade policy, Sir Auckland Geddes, Minister for Reconstruction, said that the Government meant to tackle the whole problem of imports, exports, and re-exports, the dispersal of stocks of paw material, and the building up of the industries damaged by the war. Internal trade should be stimulated. Public works would be linked with the colonial policy, those offering a wide range of employment to a large number of trades receiving first consideration. Discussion followed, during which the Free Traders vigorously assailed tho proposals, declaring that they would create new vested interests. Other critics protested that Sir Auckland Geddes's statement left the country in the dark as to whether the Government proposed to revert to free imports, would continue the prohibition, or would adopt tariffs. Tho statement meant that the Government required half a year to consider the matter. Mr. W. (J. Bridgeman, UnderSecretary to the Board of Trade, replying, said there was no absolute evidence that any of the Allies were getting orders for which Britain was unable to compete owing to restrictions. Tho Government was carefully watching, and representations would be made to foreign countries if the suggestions proved true. He promised a list of restrictions as soon as possible.