TARIFFS IN BRITAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1930, Page 10

TARIFFS IN BRITAIN

SIGNS OF CHANGED OPINION. LABOUR MAY MODIFY POLICY. The opinion that Britain’s Labour Government may find.it necessary to introduce some form of tariffs for revenue purposes was expressed by Air. R. J. Gilmour, of Invercargill, who was chairman of the New Zealand delegation to- the Imperial Press Conference. Mr. Gilmour arrived at Auckland by the Ulimaroa from Sydney on his return from London. ■

Commenting on the industrial outlook in Great Britain, Mr. Gilmour said everything - was in a state of flux and perplexity at present., On ( e thing was certain: Britain’s free trade policy would have to be discarded before long. Officially, the Labour Party was still pledged to free trade, but there were signs within the trade union organisations of a change of opinion on that vital -topic, “I should say it is by no means improbable that the Labour Party will yet get a direction from its. own rank and file to adopt a tariff policy,” said Mr. Gilmour. “The Conservative Party is now definitely pledged to protection and Empire preference and there can be no question thap those changes are coming, although they may not come quickly, because the cry of 'dear food’ still raises alarm through the length and breadth of Britain. '

“The visitor to Britain, accustomed to the operation of tariffs, and., observing the slackness of trade, and unemployment which results from the opendoor policy, finds it difficult to understand why there should be an hesitation in adopting a reasonable, measure of protection. It has.to be remembered, however, that in Britain 'free trade lid-8 centuries of public opinion behind it.” Mr. Gilmour had many opportunities to examine the condition of British industry at first hand. “The only industry I could find whose profits and dividends were not affected by the depression was the brewing industry,’ he said. “The motor-car manufacturers also appear to be doing well and are confident of doing stilb Wtter in thb near future. Tn the textile and -steel trades reports are not ( so good?’