BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18965, 13 June 1923, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

WIPING OFF THE DEBT SPECIAL SINKING FUND PROVIDED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright). (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 11. (Received June 12, 9.15 p.m.) In the House of Commons, in commit tee on the Finance Bill, Mr Baldwin moved a resolution intended to abrogate the provisions of the Sinking Fund Act and to continue a new sinking fund to deal with public debt, as indicated in the Budget. This allocates £40,000,000 in the current year, £45,000,000 next year and £50,000,000 •s a permanency in subsequent years. Mr Asquith welcomed so large a debt reduction as in the long run, a large and progressive debt reduction was the best means of ensuring financial rehabilitation of the country, but it was futile to bind future Parliaments by a fixed schedule. Sir William Joynson-Hicks replied that the proposal with regard to future years, did not mean anything more than the .minimum standard which could be increased if circumstances permitted. The resolution *u carried by 251 to 119.

EMPIRE PREFERENCE. DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. ENCOURAGING DOMINION TRADE. LIBERAL OPPOSITION. LONDON, June it. (Received June 12, 9.30 p.m.) In the House of Commons the question rf Imperial preference duties, as a whole was discussed on an amendment to abolish »a duty by Mr Bonwick (Liberal). The nover declared that Imperial preference was t farce, since it could not be effective without the taxing of food. Mr Remer (Conservative) said he would welcome the extension of preference, as leading to free trade within the Empire. He thought the Liberals had gone mad over free trade. He said that as a result of preference, Canada, Australia anfl South Africa had considerably modified their tariffs to the advantage of British trade. Geenral Page Croft (Conservative) said that trade with Australia had increased enormously since the introduction of preference. Doctor Chapple (liberal), said the people in the dominions were not deceived by preference debates in the House of Commons. They knew that preference was advocated in the interests of protective duties, not for the benefit of the dominions. Mr Bonwick’s amendment was defeated by 255 to 150. Mr Johnson (Labour), moved an amendment to abolish tea duty altogether on December 31. He said the revenue could be obtained in other directions instead of hitting the poor by tea duty. Sir William Joynson-Hicks, in refusing the amendment said that it would cost the Exchequer £11,000,000 yearly . The price of food as a whole was now 67 per cent, above pre-war level, and tea was a little higher, 73 per cent. Imperial preference had benefited both the British consumer and colonial growers ,the former by a reduction in the prices of tea, cocoa and coffee by two-pence and the latter had benefited by the fact of increased Empire production of tea, coffee, cocoa and sugar. The result was that 90 per cent, of tea and cocoa, 45 per cent of coffee and 25 per cent, of sugar used in Britain came from within the Empire. Preference had led to increased importation of Australian w : nes, Empire grown wines, Empire grown tobacco and dried fruits. The dominions in the last few years, had increasingly demanded preferences which proved good business from an Imperial viewpoint. Mr Pringle (Liberal), argued that the ultimate effect of the duties would be the separation of the Empire. The present paltry duties were intended to be a step toward duties on wheat, meat, wool and other raw materials, hence the Liberal and Labour opposition. The amendment was defeated, by 231 to 130. Mr Adamson (Labour), moved an amendment to halve the tea duty and this was defeated by 231 to 105. DISCHARGE OF CARGO BETTER LONDON FACILITIES WANTED LONDON, June 11. (Received June 12, 8.5 p.m.) A deputation of the Australian section of the Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand Merchants’ Association, consisting of Meessrs Tredwen, F. Moore and F. Pearce, waited on Lord Devonport, chairman of the Port of London Authority, urging quicker discharge of fruit and better supervision to prevent rough handling and breakage of cases. The deputation stated that fruit discharged at Southampton could be delivered in London quicker than if discharged at Tilbury. Lord Devonport promised to endeavour to have things placed on a better footing. He said the construction of a motor road from Tilbury to London would prevent congestion. He believed the Transport Ministry was in sympathy with the motor road but it would entail removal of houses and the displacement of the population.

KING IMPORTS CANADIAN CATTLE. LONDON, June 11. The King is keenly interested in the importation of Canadian cattle and has ordered a herd from the Canadian Government for his Sandringham farm. FLOATING DOCK FOR SINGAPORE. LONDON, June 11. The world’s largest floating dock, surrendered by Germany under the peace treaty, is being prepared at Chatham for special naval service. Reliable sources state that it is intended for Singapore. The dock is being made capable of receiving the largest battleship afloat or building. INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE. LONDON, June 11. A local commission has been appointed with Viscount Lee as chairman, including several Indian members, to inquire into the condition of the superior civil service in India.