OTTAWA PACTS

Southland Times, Issue 21850, 29 October 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA PACTS

IMPORT DUTIES HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE BILL READ SECOND TIME (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.15 p.m.) London, October 27. The Hon. Walter Runciman closing the second reading debate on the Ottawa Agreements Bill said that Britain’s recent import duties had no effect on imports. Not a single European country had made a complaint. The motor car trade to New Zealand and India was benefiting considerably and discussions with Australia were proceeding. Many members had suggested that Ottawa would cripple us, making agreements with other countries, but instead we were already negotiating with five countries and ready to treat with the whole world, but cannot deal with all at once. Britain as a market and centre of finance is a world force and must remain the most important and vital part of the Empire. • Her policy as a creditor country with investments inside and outside is to cultivate commercial. and financial freedom activity, but this is limited by the policy of the rest of the world and the dominions. We must build on the foundation of the Ottawa agreements to prosperity of the whole Empire. The Bill was read a second time by 346 votes to 77.