THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3763, 27 April 1926, Page 18

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

'its main theme. iF.rom Ocr Own Correspondent.), LONDON, March 4. Mr Araery, in reply to Sir H. Brittain in the House of Commons, said that the length of the coming Imperial Conference would depend on the character of the agenda, which would be worked out in detail during the next few months. It was contemplated that there should be a discussion on questions of foreign policy and defence, including those arising out of the Locarno Treaty, and also on matters such as were dealt with at the last Imperial Economic Conference. The Morning Post understands that at the conference attention will be concentrated again mainly on the question of reciprocal preference. It is understood that the Government will be gnided largely by the representations madd in the meantime by representatives of Bri- / tish industry. The matter is already under consideration in business circles in this country, and the Federation of British Industries’ Overseas Committee has already decided to appoint a special subcommittee to ‘‘consider, from an industrial point of view, the subjects which are likely to come up at the Imperial Conference.” Mixed up with the subject of general reciprocal preferences, of course, is the question of Tariff Reform for this country. On that particular aspect—or, indeed on the whole question of Imperial Preference —the Federation of British Industries is unable to take anv definite stand, since the controversy which ranged around the subject after the last conference has not yet been allayed.

There is, it is stated, evidence that the majority of members of the Federation are inclining to the view that the most effective way of developing inter-imperial trade is by some system of reciprocal preference. As to what forms that system should take, or even concerning the main details, there is as yet no apparent unanimity of opinion. It is known, however, that the dominions are in favour pf a reciprocally preferential arrangement. This new trend of opinion on the part of the majority of British merchants permits the hope that the Cabinet will be able to discuss a definite scheme this year with more confidence than in 1923.

Further suggestions will also be made to the Cabinet from leaders of . British industry, asking the Government to remind the dominion governments of the paramount necessity for a “Buy British Goods” campaign in each State. In each dominion the leaders of the Government, invariably have taken every opportunity to preach the gospel of support for British manufactures. It is felt, however, that something more decisive might bo done in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa by means of organised campaigns. The special sub-committee of the Federation will also offer suggestions to the British Government for use at the Imperial Conference concerning Empire Settlement, competition of foreign goods in dominion markets, the basis of valuation for Customs duties in British dominions and colonies, uniformity of Customs formalities, produotion of raw materials, telegprahic aud postal communications, supply of intelligence concerning Empire resources, Imperial ocean services and a variety of other subjects. Particular attention will be paid to the question of Customs formalities. Some of the dominion governments have recently readjusted the regulations under which British goods are granted preferential import d uties. Changes have been made in the rules concerning the percentage of British labour or raw material in certain articles. While these regulations have brought advifhtage to various other British manufacturers, the amended rules have operated harshly against other British trades. A statement will be submitted to the Cabinet showing the details of the effect of the recent changes and showing how further readjustments can be made to eliminate the hardships now felt by certain British exporters.