TARIFF DEMAND

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1931, Page 5

TARIFF DEMAND

{RON AND STEEL TRADES CONSERVATIVE’S INSISTENCE DIRECT MOTION AVOIDED LAND TAXATION PROPOSAL VALUATION DISCONTINUED British Wireless. Rugby, Dec. 8. The Th-imn Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, having accepted the enlargement of the terms of the Opposition motion of wnoure and the allocation of to-morrow ’ and Thursday for its discussion in the House of Commons, the direct motion for the protection of iron, steel, cotton and other industries, which has been moved by Conservative tariff reformers, cannot now be moved. The position of these industries may be raised on the censure motion, but in view of its terms the possibility of the debate on this question being carried to a decision, which might tie the hands of the Government, is regarded as unlikely. Under the standing orders no subject involving legislation can be raised on a motion for adjournment, and The Times says that the Government is obviously unwilling to give time for discussion of the motion handed in by a section of their followers which would pledge the House, if it was carried, to the principle of immediate protection for these industries. LAND TAX CONTROVERSY. Another question regarding which there has been much controversy is the finance land taxes machinery, for which provision . was made in the Labour Budget. A memorandum published at the time stated that the total cost of the first valuation under the scheme would be between £1,000,000 and £500,000.. The taxes do not i become operative until 1933 but financial provision has been made for beginning the valuation.. The proposed taxes were vigorously assailed when before the last Parliament and some narrow divisions were recorded. A demand for the withdrawal of the scheme has been made, but this course is said to be strongly opposed by Lord Snowden and certain other Ministers. The newspapers state that Cabinet considered the question primarily from the point of view of economy. The House will rise for the Christmas recess on Friday, which will be devoted to the adjournment motion. The closing days of the session are marked by congestion of business at question time, and to-day’s order paper contained 140 questions for oral answers. It is significant of the interest taken in matters connected with industry and the trade economic position of the country that out of this number 70 questions were addressed to the President of the Board of Trade. No fewer than 18 questions aimed at eliciting a promise of extension of the operation of the Abnormal Importations Act to various articles, and the House was amused when Mr. W. Runciman, grouping them together, gave a single answer to the effect that it would be improper for him to indicate articles which might or might not be included in future orders under the Act. EXPENDITURE UNWARRANTED. A statement of the Government’s decision with regard to land valuation for the purpose of the land tax proposals was made by the /Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Neville Chamberlain.’ He said that as the need for economy became paramount the Government, after careful consideration, felt that it would not be justified in incurring further expenditure upon an object which would not produce a return for a considerable time. The proposed tax would not have become operative till 1933. Mr. Chamberlain added that the Government proposed, without prejudice to the merits of the plan, to suspend work upon valuation and disperse the temporary staff engaged in connection with it. Lobby correspondents give prominence to a threatened revolt of a large body of Conservatives who are insisting that something must be done to protect the iron and steel industries before the recess. The Daily Express mentioned that Mr. Lloyd George has made a dramatic change in his plans. He is leaving Colombo on December 16 in order to return to politics as quickly as possible. Friends say that he has been most restive since he left England. EXPERT COMMISSION SOUGHT. BOARD OF TRADE INCOMPETENT. London, Dec. 8. Mr. George Terrell, in his presidential address at the National Union of Manufacturers, criticised Mr. Runciman for his slowness in imposing tariffs on all imports competing with British industries. He declared that the Board of Trade officials were incompetent to frame a general tariff. Their description of the articles in the first order under the Abnormal Imports Act was full of confusion. . . He proposed the immediate, establishment of an expert tariff commission in view of duties on competing industries. The meeting passed a resolution accordingly. The council of Central Associated Chambers of Agriculture passed a resolution demanding that beef, mutton and pork supplied to the forces should be either British or of Empire origin. BELGIAN REPRESENTATIONS. 'THE DUTIES UNALTERABLE." Rec. 11.45 p.m. London, Dec. 9. M. Hyman’s trade talks in London were inconclusive, Mr. Runciman explaining that the duties were unalterable at present, but he promised to keep the representations in mind.