AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 13

AUSTRALIAN TARIFF.

AIELBOURXE, July 7. In the House of Representatives Afr Massy Greene (Minister of Customs) moved the second reading of a Bill to appoint a tariff board to study the incidence of tariffs and their relationship to industry, with the object of encouraging Australia’s secondary industries. The propose! aims at adjusting future tariffs on more inteliigent and scientific lines than at present. The Tariff Board will consist of three members—one from the administrative staff of the Customs Department and two outsiders. Air Alassy Greene also moved a resolution dealing with dumping, which later will be embodied in the Anti-dumping Bill. It provides against the dumping in Australia of goods bought at an export price less than the fair market value at the time of shipment, and goods affected by the exchange value of the currency of the country of origin when they are sold to the importer at a price detrimental to the Australian industry. In such cases dimming duties will be levied. July 8. The Tariff debate was resumed, it was decided to place superphosphates which are now dutiable at 5, 15, and 25 per cent, on the free list. The House also ratified Cabinet’s decision in placing spirits for use in public hospitals on the free list. In the Federal House of Representatives an amendment by Air Anstey that the duty on newsprint be free, 15 per cent, and 15 per cent, ad valorem, was defeated by 24 votes to 14. A motion by Air Lamound that the duties be a fiat rate, free, £d and £3, was carried by 24 votes to 14. Sir Joseph Cook (Acting-Prime Alinister of the Commonwealth) has received a cable from Fiji protesting against the abnormal duty on bananas, and predicting the withdraw.il of the T.evuka- from the Fiji-Sydney trade. TRADE WITH FRANCE. LONDON, July 6. Air Hughes was visited yesterday by the French Ambassador, who desired fo know when it would be convenient for him to visit the Somme area. He expressed the nation’s regrets that Air Hughes would be unable to participate in the national celebrations and commemorations next week. The Ambassador intimated that the Trench Government desired to discuss matters connected with commerce, espeeialv in relation to the tariff. He expressed some doubt whether o c not tho matter should be approached through. Great Britain, but Air Hughes quickly disillusioned him, saying that the matter was entirely one concerning Australia, and that he would be glad to go fully into all questions. He added that he would be unable to attend the ceremonies or to visit Fiance while the C'on< ference is sitting.