Imperial Trade Preference

Southland Times, Issue 19106, 24 July 1903, Page 2

Imperial Trade Preference

SOMETHING SOLID AT LAST

Per United Press Association. By Electric .Telegraph— Copyright.

LONDON, July 23 Received 23rd, 11.17 p.m.

As the first instalment of the fiscal enquiry the Board of Trade has issued a return, showing that between 1881 and 1902 the imports to Britain increased from 399^ millions to 528 , l-3rd millions and exports from 1.295 l-3rd millions to 349 l-3rd millions. Of the 129 -millions' of increased imports 116 millions came from foreign countries. The imports from autonomous colonies increased from 42$ millions :to nearly 60 millions ( ; from other colonies- the increase amounted to 2£ millions. The' imports from India decreased frcm 35£ toi 28f millions. British •xports rose, in the years, by, ;"4 millions or, deducting, foreign und colonial produce and ships, by 46. , millioiis. India and the colonies ac-> eofunt for 26 millions of this increase and foreign countries 20 .millions. Between 1881 and 1885 the colonies and India annually bought 91 millions' worth of British produce, foreigners taking 151 millions; now foreigners take 174 millions, tKe «.«- --[ tonomous colonies ,QP l-B»'d millions, | India nearly 32f "'millions, and the other colonies 16 millions. ■ T\ : : '^- . : ' July 23. -. Heceived 24th, 1,2 a^m. Mr Chamberlain, in reply to a question, said that neither the Government, himself nor any of the Unionist party had ' suggested any taxation on raw material), whether wool or hides. '. : ! ANOTHER CHAMBERLAIN IN I THE FIELD. Received 24th, 1.12 a.m.

Mr Arthur Chamberlain, addressing the Birmingham Chamber of Com-. mwce, .declared . : that the fiscal enquiry was a deyice of ite supporters to stave oR ' discussion; Until "they were ready to :cominencet ai "raging, tearingi piopdg&tdk'P^o»gl^6uV the country/ In the lace this declaration the Chamber adopted!' a resolution expressing ; sympathy with the, Hon. Joseph Chamberlain's fiscal scheme. .