BRITISH CABINET

Southland Times, Issue 21604, 16 January 1932, Page 5

BRITISH CABINET

FREQUENT MEETINGS

PROBLEM OF THE TRADE BALANCE FURTHER ORDER EXPECTED (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January 14. At a further meeting of Cabinet this morning it is understood the Ministers again considered the arrangements for the Lausanne Conference. Last night the committee of the Cabinet which has before it the problem of correcting tho adverse balance of trade met and good progress has been made with the task. The Times recalls that in a speech in the House of Commons last September the Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, declared that the country would have to abandon its policy of free imports and he added: "There is a growing feeling in Ministerial circles that legislative action will have to be taken as soon as the House of Commons meets again.” When the committee has presented its report to Cabinet it will be for Ministers to decide how action can be taken with the least dislocation of trade. It is anticipated that a further order under the Abnormal Importations Act will be issued shortly. Simple ad valorem duties pending the creation of a Tariff Board to promulgate a full scientific tariff constitute the chief suggestion in the programme of the Grand Council of the Federation of British Industries to restore Britain’s prosperity. It states: "Industry would accept duties on food, raw materials or other measures to obtain the widest possible extension of Empire preference.” REPARATIONS MUST END BRITISH CABINET IN AGREEMENT. (Rec. 9.20 p.m.) London, January 15. The Financial News says the feeling is steadily growing that whatever precise course is taken at Lausanne, reparations are finished. Not all the intransigeance and obstructiveness of France will avail to keep them alive. The feeling is strengthened not only by Signor Mussolini’s articles, but by reports that the British Cabinet is in entire agreement with the City that reparations must be ended rather than mended. This may be facilitated by a short instead of a long extension of the moratorium, to enable the governments to tackle the final proposal. TARIFF QUESTION DECISION EXPECTED SHORTLY. (Rec. 1(1.40 p.m.) London, January 15. The Cabinet Committee, considering tariffs is representative of the three parties and is expected to reach a decision in a few days. The problem is being considered from the sole viewpoint of the trade and financial situation. It is recognized that the position ns regards tho balance of trade demands that not a moment be lost in introducing remedial measures. All the indications point to the committee’s recommendations being in favour of a tariff, and there is reason to believe that if they are unanimous there will be no reason to fear that trouble will arise when they come before the whole Cabinet. . The legislative programme includes Bills providing for a wheat quota, town and country planning, and rent restrictions.