CLOTHING TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23089, 14 July 1938, Page 15

CLOTHING TRADE

PROTECTION ISSUE CLAIM FOR HIGHER TARIFF INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The claim of local clothing manufacturers for increased tariff protection, raised in the House of Representatives earlier this session by Mr. R. A. Wright (Independent Wellington Suburbs), was the subject of comment by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, in the printed replies to members' questions, which were circulated in the House to-day

"The position in the clothing industry is at present under investigation by the Government," said Mr. Sullivan. "Considerable conflict of opinion has been expressed by various sections of the industry in-regard to its economic position, and in view of this the industry was asked some three months ago to submit a case to the Government, through the Manufacturers' Federation. It was only last week, however, that the representations of certain sections were put forward by deputations which waited upon The secretary of my department and the controller of customs.

"Adequate steps have already been taken by the Government to restrict importations from foreign and certain Empire countries, but insufficient time has elapsed for the benefit of this action to be fully appreciated."