AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS

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

AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS

AN AMERICAN COMMENT MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE BRITISH SACRIFICE ASKED HER INTERESTS ABROAD By Tclesrr.ph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 29, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. July The Ottawa correspondent of the New York Times says the chief of the Australian delegation to-day demanded from Britain preferential treatment for Australian foodstuffs ■which would interfere seriously with the entry of Argentine meats and Danish dairy products to Britain. Thus Britain was asked to sacrifice two of her best customers, in spite of her liav- , ing enormous interests in Argentina, j " Mark, too, that Australia, like other i Dominions, seeks industrial self-sufficiency J and is bound to protect her manufactures," j-ays tho correspondent. "There is a multiplicity of causes for a division at Ottawa, not only between tho Dominions and tlio Mother Country, but, also between the Dominions themselves." SCHEME PRESENTED BID FOR MEAT MARKET TARIFF ON FOREIGN URGED OTTAWA, July 23 Unanimous Empire meat proposals were presented to tho British delegation to-day. They are exactly as wore agreed to by tho New Zealand and Australian delegation at Suva on tho way to Ottawa, with tho inclusion of bacon 011 the same terms as pork. These proposals are that the British Government should restrict foreign imports with the object of adjusting them to provide for tho seasonal requirements of the British markets. This would avoid gluts and shortages, and would assure steady, averago prices. The tariff proposals arc: Beef, mutton, lamb, pork and veal to be accorded preferential Empire tariff, all free, with a full foreign tariff of l£d per lb. on beef, 2d 011 mutton, lAd on lamb, and a preferential foreign tariff of §d per lb. on pork and lgd per lb. on veal. Bacon has becomo an important topic of discussion with the Dominion delegates because, while the Dominions are not greatly interested in this product, their support for a tariff plus a quota for bacon would benefit the pig growers in Britain, 90 per cent of whose bacon imports come from foreign countries. It is now established that the British farming interests are solidly ranged in support of tho Dominions' case. New Zealand has put forward a strong case for assistance for her mutton and lamb. There is talk in British circles here that the meat situation is so difficult owing to British investments in Argentina that a decision may be deferred at Ottawa and the whole matter be referred to the British Cabinet in London. Nevertheless, the Dominions view the prospect hopefully, and still feel they can offer such substantial concessions as would induce Britain to grant some consideration. The' Dominions are prepared to modify the preference scalo proposed in_ accordance with the strength or weakness of any quantitative restrictions which Britain may agree to impose on foreign meat imports. CANADA'S BEQUESTS RETURN CONCESSIONS FRIENDLY DISCUSSION British Wireless RUGBY, July 28 A private meeting took place at the Ottawa Conference between the British and Canadian Ministers. Mr. R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada, enumerated the primary products for which that Dominion desires preference in the United Kingdom market. Wheat is not now expected to play a serious part, but Canada attaches great importance to tho import of live cattle and bacon. Mr. Bennett further laid stress on the needs' of the Canadian lumber, bafio metals, tobacco and canned fish industries, and also gave an outline of the concessions which Canada is willing to make. These include a free list for the whole Empire of non-competitive articles and proposals to reduce duties on other articles in such a way as would produce fair competition in the Canadian maiket. The exchange of views was altogether frank and friendly, and tho meeting is considered to have been a valuable stop toward a general agreement. CURRENCY AND PRICES DEBATE COMMENCED CASE FOR AUSTRALIA OTTAWA, July 28 In a full discussion of Dominion problems before the Currency Committee of the Empire Conference, Mr Bruce outlined at length what the fall of prices meant to Australia, involving drastic wage cuts and interest reductions. So successful had been Australia's efforts that, notwithstanding tho world prices, she had increased production by one-third. It had been necessary to reduce imports by three-quarters, and even then Australia had only just squeezed through and was meeting her obligations with tho utmost difficulty. Unless prices were increased it was impossible to see how Australia could carry on. Having made all these sacrifices, the Commonwealth could not continue further drastic reductions. She simply must got relief by increased prices. Mr. Bruco pressed strongly the view that action was essential, pointing out that Australia now required double tho value of her exports to meet her external obligations. He also emphasised that unless exchanges were stable it was obvious that preferences could be wiped out overnight by exchange fluctuation. Mr. Neville Chamberlain spoke on behalf of Britain, but the debate is only in the preliminary stage. It will be continued in camera to-morrow..