AUSTRALIAN TARIFF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20282, 15 December 1927, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF

THE DEBATE RESUMED. BUTTER AND CHEESE ITEMS. (Press Association— Telegraph—Copyright.) CANBERRA, December 14. The tariff debate was resumed in the House of Representatives, when the butter and cheese items were considered. The duties proposed in the new schedule are 6d British, 6jd intermediate, and 7d general, as compared with 3d per lb all round under the old schedule. The Minister of Customs (Mr Flatten) said that this item had been exhaustively investigated, and it was felt that, as the dairy industry did not hold out very great attractions to those engaged therein, it was the duty of Parliament to do what it could to help. Referring to the reciprocal trade agreement with New Zealand, Mr Pratten said that the principal items which were imported from New Zealand were butter, meat, fish, and timber, which, with smaller items, represented £1,161,000 of trade for New Zealand in the, items upon which New Zealand was entitled to preference Australia sent to New Zealand £1,355,000 worth upon which Australia was entitled to preference. In the items not enjoying preference New Zealand sent £1,215,000 worth, while in similar items Australia sent to New Zealand £2,133,000 worth It seemed to the Ministry that the time ■was now opportune for the Federal Minis try to renew negotiations with the New Zealand authorities in respect to the reciprocal agreement. Mr Francis (Queensland) said that the benefits from the Paterson scheme were almost nullified by the large importations of butter from New Zealand, which was subject to a duty of only 2d per lb. Mr Scullin said that he was satisfied that the exports of butter from New Zealand were controlled by speculators. They wer© acting detrimentally to the producers in Australia. The item was agreed to.