EMPIRE PRODUCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18387, 3 May 1934, Page 5

EMPIRE PRODUCE

PROTECTION WANTED CONFERENCEE PRO PUS ED RESTRICTION ISSUE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received May 3, noon.) LONDON, May 2. Although t'lic meat agreements terminate on June 30, the 'Sun Service understands that it is possible that Britain will not immediately enforce further restrictions, preferring to wait consultations, particularly in view of Mr S. M. Bruce’s imminent return. The Yorkshire Observer says the Government will be asked to grant more subsidies to farmers.

The Conservative Parliamentary Agricultural Committee, in view of the uneconomic trading in Danish and Dutch butter, which it was contended amounted in effect to a, bounty on exports to Britain to the prejudice of English and Dominions producers, decided to invite Mr. Walter Runciman to discuss the problem with the committee. It also appealed to the Government to aid the live stock industry in a similar manner to the wheat bounty. It proposed a subsidy on meat on the basis of 48s -per cwt. for cattle and 56s tor sheep, which would be raised by a levy of Id per pound ou imported meat, producing £6,500,000 in a, normal year. The scheme would in no way operate against the Dominions and Colonies.

The committee adopted the report of the Jive stock sub-committee in favor of subsidies for live* stock farmers. The Government will also be asked specially to consider the disparity between prices ruling for ihe same butter in Holland and Britain. New Zealand producers’ figures reveal the existence of a substantial Danish export bounty at the expense of Empire producers.

The Daily Express says that negotiations are being opened almost immediately between the Dominions Office and official representatives of the Dominions in London concerning the future of Empire trading, particularly as regards meat imports. The Evening Standard lobbyist says that the British Government will urge the Dominions to accept some form of restriction to cover the period until the trade pacts with foreign countries expire.

The Daily Telegraph’s political correspondent says that the talk about an Empire conference in London this year has no foundation but that negotiations among the High Commissioners are already in progress. It is confidently expected that an understanding will be reached.

The Sydney Sun’s suggestion that an Imperial Conference be held in Canberra next year is the subject of a loading article in the Times, which considers that it is, perhaps, doubtful whether there is sufficient experience of the working of economic agreements to justify a full-dress conference before 193(5. What is really needed is more frequent contact between tin l Empire Governments for the discussion of points as they arise and the adjustment of policy to changing circumstances.

The pronouncements of Mr. Bruce and the Premier of New Zealand justify tin*, hope of reaching agreement: with Britain, but this can'only bo fulfilled if the situation is clearly and mutually understood. No machinery exists for consultation and liaison. This is the outstanding defect of the Ottawa agreements, and the sooner the deficiency is repaired the sooner will harmonious development of the resources and energies of the Empire by a coherent policy be possible.