TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21277, 2 September 1932, Page 12

TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS

OTTAWA CONFERENCE SEQUEL EARLY STATEMENT WANTED Tho need for an early statement by the Government concerning tariffs, as an outcome of the decisions at tho Ottawa Conference, was emphasised at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday. It was decided to send the following letter to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes: — "The various trado interests likely to bo affected by the tariff adjustments to be made as a result of decisions at Ottawa are very anxious that the exact nature of the agreements and the Government's intentions should be made known as soon as possible. It is realised that, as a survey of customs duties has to be made, a complete answer cannot be given offhand, but it would, we think, be desirable if an early announcement could be mado as to what action is to be taken by tho Government to give prompt effect to tho Ottawa arrangements. May J, therefore, urge upon you the desirability of a public pronouncement at tho earliest possible date?" A letter was received from the Prime Minister in reply to the chamber's representations that a reciprocal trade agreement should be entered into between New Zealand and tho United States. The letter stated:—"lt is not intended to enter into negotiations with any foreign country until tho Government has had tho opportunity of fully considering the results of the recent Imperial Economic Conference."