EXEMPTIONS FOR CROCKERY

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1934, Page 5

EXEMPTIONS FOR CROCKERY

REVISION OF TARIFF SCHEDULE.

TARANAKI MEMBER’S COMMENT.

(By Wire.—Parliamentary Reporter). Wellington, Last Night. The Government’s intention to afford tariff exemption to certain classes of United Kingdom chinaware and earthenware was indicated by the Minister of Customs, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, in the House of Representatives to-night. The affected items are breakfast, dinner and tea sets and cups, saucers, plates, dishes and similar articles for table use. Up to September 30 the existing 20 per cent. British preferential duty will remain, but thereafter the goods will be admitted duty free. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Ind., Egmont) said he was very pleased to see the Government had made an alteration in the tariff on certain British goods. It would be a great help to the poorer sections of the community and on these household articles would amount to about onequarter of the import price. The Government should be complimented, and members would agree that it was a step in the right direction. These goods had been taxed for revenue purposes and the removal of the duty would give the British manufacturer a better opportunity of competing with Japanese crockery. The reduction of the tariff on British goods would be welcomed by the great bulk of people in the country, Mr. Wilkinson said. He had had a similar amendment drafted and he was glad that he and the Government could agree on one point.