COLONIAL EMPIRE MEEDS

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1932, Page 5

COLONIAL EMPIRE MEEDS

EFFECTS OF DEPRESSION

HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE ASSISTANCE OF BRITAIN OPPORTUNITY AT OTTAWA British Wireless. Rugby, April 22. The position of the Colonial Empire, which, is suffering heavily owing to the world depression, was reviewed in the House of Commons to-day by the Colonial Secretary, Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister. Several colonies had been able to carry on only with the assistance of grants in aid or loans from the British Treasury, Sir Philip said. A number of other colonies would have been in the same position but for the fact that in more prosperous times they had accumulated reserves on which they were able to draw. The Colonial Office was continuing the practice of helping administrations by means of financial missions to frame their Budgets and effect economies. The Colonial Empire was almost entirely dependent on primary products, and he was glad to say that there were now some signs of an improvement in commodity prices, instancing coffee, cocoa and maize. The increased preference given to the colonies would come at an opportune time, and they had the security of the markets. The colonies were largely dependent for their revenue on tariffs, some of which were 50 per cent, or more, offering scope for agreements between themselves and the Dominions as well as Britain. The agreement between Canada and the West Indies was a very good model, and opportunities would arise at Ottawa of carrying that agreement further and seeing what. development of trade between the Colonies and Dominions was possible. MALTA AND MALAYA. Sir Philip announced that a Bill to give effect to the Government policy in Malta would be introduced in the House of Lords. The Government was satisfied that it was proceeding with the unanimous approval of the House of Commons and in the true interest of the people of Malta. Referring to Malaya, he regretted that despite every effort during the recent negotiations it was impossible to frame an effective scheme of control of rubber production, but thought the right course had been taken in examining the matter at once and announcing the result plainly and unequivocably. The period of the mandate in Iraq was drawing to a close, and the Council of the League of Nations had recommended Iraq’s entry to full membership. What had been a backward and impoverished province had become a prosperous State with a stable and competent administration. During the debate which followed other colonial questions were raised. The Undersecretary, replying, said that he did not think the interests of the natives were in danger of being overlooked by the Kenya Land Commission, which was in the nature of a judicial body. Referring to the Mui Tsai system in Hong Kong, he said they were well on the way to ending it. The number of registered Mui Tsais was steadily decreasing. No fresh registrations were permitted, and since November 30 the number had decreased from 4117 to 3741.