OTTAWA PACTS

Southland Times, Issue 21853, 2 November 1932, Page 7

OTTAWA PACTS

COMMONS DEBATE POSITION OF THE FREE STATE POLICY OF BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) London, October 31. In the House of Commons Major C. R. Attlee (Labour) moved to apply the Ottawa agreements to the Irish Free State during the present dispute and the operation of Britain’s special duties to Irish products. If a settlement were reached, he said, the Free State would be left to be treated as a foreign country or as a dominion without special arrangements. Mr J. H. Thomas said the amendment proposed to give a premium to dominions seeking to repudiate their obligations. It was known before Ottawa that the free entry of dominion products would cease on November 15 if an agreement was not made. Having failed to reach an agreement with the Free State the free entry of her goods must cease. Did the Opposition really believe that the workers and trade unionists of the country, accustomed, to collective bargaining, approved of giving special privileges to those who repudiated their obligations? The Government would welcome the earliest opportunity of making a trade agreement with the Free State, but it must be an agreement within the Commonwealth of Nations. The Free State could not expect to remain within the Commonwealth for economic and outside for political considerations. The amendment was defeated by 25j votes to 32. Clause one of the Ottawa Agreements Bill was carried by 232 votes to 52. Clause two provides that dominion products be free from import duties. Sir Stafford Cripps (Labour) said there was a proviso giving the Treasury power to impose a duty in certain circumstances. He moved an amendment to prevent this. Mr L. Hore-Belisha (National Liberal) said the intention of the Government was to protect first the home producer, and secondly, the dominion producer. If it were found after experience of these agreements that the home producer required a modicum of protection even against the dominions in respect of poultry and other agricultural products, he would not be deprived of the opportunity of obtaining it. That was why the clause was so framed. The amendment was defeated by 209 votes to 51. Clauses two, three and four were added to the Bill and the debate was adjourned. MEAT QUOTA NO REVISION SUGGESTED. London, October 31. In the House of Commons, Mr J. H. Thomas informed Mr G. Lambert that he had received no communication from Australia or Mr Bruce suggesting a revision of the Ottawa meat quota. TRADE NEGOTIATIONS BRITAIN AND ARGENTINA. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, October 31. Asked in the House of Commons whether there had been or would be any trade reciprocity discussion between representatives of the Argentine Government and Britain regardin# such of the Ottawa Conference proposals as referred to British imports of wheat and meat, Captain Eden replied that an exchange of views was already taking place.

SLUMP IN PRICES ARGENTINE COMMODITIES. (Rec. 7.50 p.m.) Buenos Aires, November I. Wheat reached the lowest level in 70 years, selling at 40 cents a busnel. Other commodities, including beef, are greatly depressed. Young steers sold at l'i cents a pound, the lowest price in the history of the local packing industry. The prevailing uncertainty regarding the Ottawa agreements is regarded as partially responsible.