BRITAIN'S POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21248, 30 July 1932, Page 9

BRITAIN'S POLICY

OTTAWA STATEMENT TRADE OF THE EMPIRE extension desired ' DOMINIONS' WANTS A FRANK CRITICISM By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright OTTAWA, July 2S The leader of the British delegation, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, to-day issued to tho Empire Economic Conference an important statement, defining ' Britain's attitude tovraid reciprocal preferences. "Tho British delegation has 110 intention of weighing meticulously the benefits c,iven or received," said the statement, " but it is anxious that the outside world shall realise that tho spirit animating us all has been constantly and consistently displayed in our actual dealings with the Dominions. "Any suggestion that Britain has been backward in developing and assisting tho trade of the Dominions, or not fully reciprocating their concessions in letter and spirit, is wholly unwarranted. The British delegation, appreciating fully the advantages received in the Empire markets, has entered the conference with tho intention of making a full contribution for a still, further extension of Empire trade. "Wo havo stated' frankly and fully to the Dominions the articles on which wo desire to secure further advantages in their markets. We will welcome an equally full statement of the" corresponding advantages the Dominions seek in Britain's market. The British delegation will examine these statements as received with an unprejudiced mind and an earnest desire to give effect to the Dominions' wishes. We are convinced that, our own views, in turn, will bo given equally favourable consideration." Britain's Trade With Dominions Mr. Baldwin quoted figures showing Britain's retained'imports in 1930 as follows : From Australia (1) £4.660,000, representing 12 per cent, dutiable before December, 1930; (2) £13,500,000, being 34.5 per cent, dutiable under the Import Duties Act or the Horticultural Products Act; (3) £20,820,000, being 53.4 per cent, not subject to duty. - From New Zealand.—(l) £BO,OOO, 0.2 per cent; (2) £20,280, 50.3 per cent; (3) £19,930, 41.5 per cent. 1 The statement pointed out that the proportion of imports from the Dominions enjoying free entry to Britain exceeds 90 per cent. Only British Indian imports are appreciably below that. Since Britain s change oi fiscal policy only 30 per cent of Britain's foreign imports are admitted I free. \ Regarding the British exports to the four principal Dominions, there is to-day practically no free entry. Most of the preferences granted by Britain are a total remission of the duty payable by foreign goods. Dominions' Imports in 1930 The following details were given of the Dominions' imports in 1930: p rc , m Australia New Zealand All. sources . . £129,220,000 £42,663,000 U dom iK ! nß '.. 54,241,000 20,223,000 Other British „ mfl countries . . 1d,509,000 1 „' „„' rnn Foreism countries 59,470,000 13,433,C00 Britain's Imports from Empire The following table showed Britain's imports from the Dominions in 1930, the • figures including bullion and coin and also re-exports:— C SX .38.700.000 Australia- . ' .. 70.500.000 New Zealand .. •• South Africa .. •• 62,100,000 Irish Free State .. .. Newfoundland •• •; Rhodesia . . 2,300,000 Total £315.800,000 Exports to the Dominions I:i the following table Britain's exports to the Dominions in 1930 were shown Canada 31,300,000 Australia .. • 33,000,000 New Zealand' .. 38.700.000 South Africa . . ■ • -7. iOO.OOO Irish Free State . .. 41 , Newfoundland ;; ;; f Rhodesia' I.' -- •• 2,600,000 Tota ] ' £220,100,000 The visible balances were as follows (plus indicating favourable): Canada plus £7,400',000; Australia, plus £37,500,000; New Zealand; plus £26,200,000; South Africa, plus £34,400,000; Irish Free State, minus £1,200,000; Newfoundland, plus £1,300,000; India, minus £9,600,000; Rhodesia, niinu6 £300,000; total plus. £95,700,000 v Graduated Duties Urged " These figures reveal two noteworthy points," said Mr. Baldwin. "Firstly, a ' visible trade balance in favour of the Dominions of £100,000,000; and secondly that 1 Dominion imports from foreign countries amounted to nearly £350,000,000. It is necessary to remember tho percentage of duty and its great importance in assessing the value of preference. If it is to give material assistance the preference must not be so high as to seriously restrict importation. "The British delegation urges upon the ' Dominions that the rates of duty should be so graduated as to give British products a reasonable chance of competing on even terms, and also that duties agains; British products should be nxec lor protective purposes and no higher than is necessary to give a fair chance to reasonably efficient Dominion industry." » " MEW ZEALAND PARTY MEAT CANNING WORKS VISIT OF_ INSPECTION (Received July 29, 5.35 p.m.) OTTAWA, July 28 Mr. J.' G. Coates and other members of the New Zealand delegation to the Ottawa Conference to-day visited the Canadian Packing Company's meat canning works on the outskirts of the city. viewed all the processes, and "were specially interested in tho condition of live cattle after travelling 2000 miles from tlie West, Tho visitors were not fmpiessed with the quality of the sheep and lambs.