IMPORTS FROM BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1932, Page 7

IMPORTS FROM BRITAIN.

Mr. Havenga stated that these did not truly reflect the Union’s absorption of British goods nor the increasing market the Union offered those goods. South Africa within one year rose from eighth place, compared with other customers of Britain, to fourth place, which she now occupied. Mr. Baldwin had stressed that a large proportion of Dominion products was still enjoying free entry into Britain, but Mr. Havenga submitted that accentuation of this point was disproportionate to the consequential ad van-' tage to the Dominions. “Britain takes from the Dominion mostly foodstuffs and raw materials, which, in its own interests and in accordance with its fiscal policy, have been given free entry,” continued Mr. Havenga. “Britain’s exports are manufactured articles. South Africa would see nothing unnatural or unreasonable in her produce being subjected to duties in the British market for the protection of British domestic produce, and the delegation would not suggest that Britain should grant concessions militating against British domestic industries, but South Africa would welcome preference for Dominion over foreign products. •’South Africa considers that the table showing that the Union has a considerable favourable trade balance is misleading because it includes gold among consumptible merchandise, also transhipments and subsequent exports. South Africa uses more than twice as much British merchandise as Britain uses South African merchandise. Inasmuch as •South Africa has insufficient commercial bills in Britain to pay her way for what she buys there she is compelled.to pay for a portion in cash. South Africa is looking for outlets for her ordinary commodities and not for gold and does not find it necessary to offer a large share of her competitive trade to secure an outlet for her gold. “South Africa bought from Britain in 1930 more than £29,000,000 worth of commodities which enter competitive trade, while Britain bought from South Africa £12,000,000 worth of such goods. This favourable British position in South Africa’s competitive trade is the normal position.” Mr. Havenga suggested an early discussion on lines on which Britain and South Africa could give mutual assistance.