BRITAIN’S MANY PROBLEMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18822, 10 March 1931, Page 9

BRITAIN’S MANY PROBLEMS.

ATTITUDE OF MR BALDWIN. United Press Association—By Electrlo Tel egr aph—Copyright LONDON, March 8. Repudiating the charge that he was committed to a policy of withdrawal and surrender in India, Mr Baldwin, speaking at Newton Abbot, said neither he nor the Conservative Party had the remotest intention of shuffling out of essential responsibilities, or surrendering any essential safeguards. Many grave difficulties had to be surmounted before the realisation of the objective of the all-India Federation was achievable. Meanwhile he intended to give full support to the Government of India in maintaining law and order, and would insist that any future settlement of the Indian Constitution should contain a provision prohibiting unfair discrimination against British trade. He was prepared to stop Russian competition, even if it meant denouncing the Trade Treaty, as he believed Russia was the greatest potential danger to Britain’s industrial development. He wanted a free hand to deal with the Dominions, even if it involved a tariff against foreign foodstuffs. He thought they would be able eventually to make agreements securing the principal share of the Dominions’ markets for the Dominions’ and British manufactures. Mr Baldwin concluded with an invitation, obviously directed to the Liberals, to join in the task of national restoration.

SUPPORT FOR TARIFF. FAMOUS ECONOMIST’S PROPOSALS. United Press Association—By Electric Tolegrapb—CoDyrlgnt (Received March 9, 8.35 p.m.) LONDON, March 8. Mr J. M. Keynes, in a much-quoted article, advocates a tariff, including no discriminating duties, but one or two flat rates, each applicable through a wide range of categories of goods, which might be 15 per cent, on all manufactures on *emi-manufactu!res, and 5 per cent, on foodstuffs, and certain raw materials, while other raw materials would be exempt. Mr Keynes expresses the opinion that duties have an insignificant effect on the cost of living, while they would relieve pressing Budget problems and restore business confidence.