The Daily News MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1935. EMPIRE TRADING.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1935, Page 4

The Daily News

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1935. EMPIRE TRADING.

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New Zealand exporters are not likely to obtain much comfort from the statements made in the House of Commons 'last week by the Secretary for the Dominions, Mr. J. H. Thomas. So far as his remarks in regard to the status of the Dominions were concerned they reiterated a position already recognised, and it was no surprise to hear that the Dominion representatives now in London had unanimously approved the later policy of the Home Government in regard to provision for defence. In regard to Empire trading, however, Mr. Thomas’ statement seemed as bewildered as it is likely to leave exporters in the Dominion. In one portion of his speech he paid glowing tribute .to the good effect of the Ottawa treaties in stimulating exports from Great Britain to the Dominions, quoting figures which showed that New Zealand stood second on the list last .year in the percentages of increase in imports from the United Kingdom. But. Mr. Thomas stated later that it was useless , fol- the Dominions to seek “free and unfettered entry to the British market” unless they were willing to accept that part of the Ottawa treaties which provides that ?as far as possible instead of prohibitive tariffs and meaningless preferences British industry should have a fair chance of entering Dominion markets on a competitive basis.” The “meaningless preference” appears, on the’ figures quoted by Mr. Thomas, to "have enabled imports from Britain to increase by nine per cent, in New Zealand last year, and it is a figure that is likely to improve as the effect of the latest amendments to. the Dominion’s tariffs makes itself felt. Mr. Thomas* remarks are, however, a striking commentary upon the opinions often expressed in New Zealand that the question of imports from the United Kingdom could have little bearing upon future trading relations between Dominion exporters arid the Government of Great Britain. According to . Mr. Thomas an agreement providing for a wider admission 'of Britain’s exports into the Ddminions is hoped for, and that, combined with his statement that regulation of imported supplies to the Home markets is to be made by means of a tariff, seems to indicate that the quota system has been finally abandoned. As negotiations are not yet complete it was probably too much to expect that the Secretary for the Dominions would give any definite information as to their trend and the proposals upon which agreement, is being sought. It is a fairly open secret that other Ministers' than Mr. Thomas are the real representatives of the Government in the long drawn out negotiations regarding future Empire trading. Mr. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, and Mr. Elliot, the Minister of Agriculture, are the Ministers whom the' Dominion representatives must convince that Empire preference is worth while for Great Britain as well as for the Dominions. Mr. Thomas’ speech does not indicate any great measure of success in that direction, despite the report that Australia has succeeded in obtaining a satisfactory temporary‘arrangement in regard to her exports of meat during the coming months.. If such an arrangement has been made and indicates a departure from Britain’s former principle of treating all Dominions alike in trade agreements it . may not be unwelcome to the New Zealand negotiators. They have found co-operation with Australia difficult to maintain, and they have certainly a better case for preferential treatment than, any other Dominion, if the basis of that treatment is to be the market afforded for Britain’s exports of manufactures.