BRITISH MARKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26117, 2 April 1946, Page 6

BRITISH MARKET

VITAL TO DOMINION IMPORT POLICY QUESTIONED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April. L In view of the forthcoming world trade conferences, the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, has invited the Chambers of Commerce to indicate its opinions on the matter and in a letter despatched to Mr. Fraser, the following points have been made as representing the views of the Associated Chambers: 1. New Zealand is more vuauy concerned with the United Kingdom market than is any other component of the British Empire. Of New Zealand exports 84 per cent, go to the United Kingdom, of Australian, 56 per cent., of Canadian, 39 per cent., o*' South African, 38 per cent., of Indian, 34 per cent. These figures mean—-(a) that New Zealand is in a different category not only from other nations at large, but also from other countries within the British Empire in her almost complete dependence on the United Kingdom market, and (b) that 1 in consequence, the maintenance ol • this country’s export market in such a manner and at' suoh a level as is at present provided by the Ottawa Agreement preference is of the greatest importance to New Zealand. . 2 In view of the foregoing it is the opinion of the Associated Chambers of Commerce that no steps should be taken which, would in any way adversely affect the assured market New Zealand has in the United Kingdom at remunerative prices for the whole of its exports under the Ottawa AgreeWe would draw special attention to clause 9 ,of the Ottawa Agreement, which states: “His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand undertakes that protection by tariff shall be afforded only: to those industries which are reasonably assured of sound opportunities for success.” In our view the fun honouring of this clause is not practicable under the present trol system operating m the Dominion. 4 We urge—-(a) that the representatives of farming and manufacturing who are to accompany the New zea land delegation to the trade conferences should be given official status on the delegation, and resentative of importing be included in the delegation, also with official status. ' ' ■' ■ -