TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19102, 22 February 1924, Page 7

TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE

DUTIES ON BRITISH GOODS. COMPLAINT AGAINST DOMINIONS. Pnu Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 20. (Received Feb. 21, at 5.5 p.m.) In the House of Lords Earl Beauchamp drew attention to the high duty which the dominions imposed on British goods under their preferential tariffs. British goods entering Canada paid 20 per cent, and American goods 14 per cent. Australian preference on British goods amounted practically to only 1 per cent. White the average duty on foreign goods had decreased by nearly 7 per cent., British goods wore paying more duty to Australia since preference than formerly. The New Zealand tariff was simpler, the average duty bein-o from 20 to 25 per cent. He regretted that despite this preference the quantity of British goods entering New Zealand was decreasing. He pointed out that while giving India preference, Britain did not receive a reciprocal benefit. Lord Arnold (Under-Secretary of State for Colonies) pointed out that the preferences varied considerably, ranging from three per cent in South Africa to 25 per cent, in Australia, which was the highest average duty. British goods which were entitled to preference on entering any ot the four self-governing dominions paid about 10 per cent, ad valorem. Deducts ing the preference, they still paid a duty about 10 per cent, ad valorem. The dominions had to have complete liberty to settle theii own .affairs. Lord Olivier (Secretary for India) announced that a tariff committee would shortly be formed and possibly it would consider the question of India’s preference. The Duke of Devonshire earnestly deprecated any suggestion that the assistance which.the dominions had granted to British goods was not appreciated by the Motherland. The figures showed that the preferences conferred a considerable advantage on British trade, and ho strongly appealed to all narties to work together to develop Imperial trade. The of Devonshire said he hoped that the Government in its forthcoming statement of policy would be guided by the great results already achieved, and still further develop Empire trade.—A. and N.n. Cable.