“NO BINDING FORCE”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11708, 21 December 1923, Page 5

“NO BINDING FORCE”

OFFERS OF PREFERENCE NATION HAS PRONOUNCED AGAINST TARIFFS. LABOUR’S VIEW. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (Received December 20, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, December 20. The “Daily Herald,” replying to the argument that the new Parliament lihould honour Mr Stanley Baldwin’s offer of preferences, argues that many plans have been put forward by past Imperial Conferences, which went no further. They have no binding force, and aro merely plans which the Premiers agree to submit to their Parliaments. It is of opinion that if the British Parliament were asked to put new duties on apples, tinned 6almon, etc., fit would decline by a largo majority, and very properly, seeing the nation has just pronounced against protection. The “Herald” is also confident that neither the Liberals nor Labour are likely to try to get the Singapore scheme through Parliament. NOT ENGLAND’S POLICY PROTECTION OR PREFERENCE. ADVICE FOR MR MASSEY. (Special, to Press Association.) LONDON, December 19. The Manchester “Guardian,” in an editorial, says that Mr Massey made a false step in suggesting to “The Times” interviewer on the eve of his departure that a Labour or a Liberal Government should persist in Ur Baldwin's pre-election policy of Imperial preference. The “Guarcian” adds: “The House of Commons is under explicit orders to tamper with free trade no more. Mr Massey should plainly tell New Zealand that protection and Imperial preference are not England’s policy, and must never be expected to become her policy.” PROTECTIVE TARIFFS IRELAND UNFAVOURABLE. (Sydnev “Sun” Cable.) LONDON, December 19. The Irish Free State Fiscal Committee reports against protective tariffs on the ground of the increase in the cost of living. Only a small volume of industry favours protection. The report urged caution bclore introducing far-reaching changes. MR BRUCE’S RETURN DELAYED THREE WEEKS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, December 19, Mr Stanley Bruce, the Australian Premier, duo here on January Bth, will not arrive until January 29th. Important Imperial business has prolonged his stay in London. He will spend two days here and proceed to V*nt couver, sailing on February Bth.