TARIFF RECIPROCITY

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 28

TARIFF RECIPROCITY

CANADIAN NEGOTIATIONS. OTTAWA, June 6.

Canadian and Australian trade was featured in a debate in the House of Commons on the Budget schedules. The Opposition Leader (Mr A. Meighen) asked Mr Robb (Minister of Customs) for the results of his visit to Australia. Mr Robb replied that the Australian Government would meet next week, and lie hoped to answer the question fully later on. The Minister of Finance (Mr Fielding) said he was advised that the proposed preference on raisins and currants was influencing the Australian Government to come to terms on the preference issue, but the old duty ivould stand till a bargain was made. The Progressive members of the House opposed preference strongly, stating that it was an expensive way ox securing an agreement when Canada had a good supply nearer home. Mr Feilding informed the Canadian House of Commons that the Government proposed submitting an amendment abolishing the 50 per cent, reduction claiuse in the recent resolution offering tariff reciprocity with the United States. The would be left open. June 7. Mr E. Lapointe (Minister of Marine) his given notice that legislation will be introduced in the House of Commons providing that a foreign-eontrolled company shall not become registered as an owner or mortgagee of British ships in Ciftadian waters unless permission to do so is previously granted by the Minister, and t ie Minister may prohibit the registration of any vessel unless such conditions a ae may see fit to impose have been complied with.