BRITISH POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16908, 6 December 1922, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. By Telegraph—Press Asßocia/tion—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. LONDON. December 4. In tho House of Commons Sir John Simon, deputy leader of the Liberal Party, moved an amendment to the Address-in-RepJy. expressing regret that there was no mention in tho Speed) of the repeal of the Safeguard ing of Industries Act and other protective measures which were raising prices, hampering trade, and limiting employment. Sir John Simon said that a duty of 33 1-3 per cent had been placed on many articles, on the ground that they were key industries especially on chemicals. The Act was opposed t-o the real trading of tho country. The Government, in the endeavour to do a little right, were doing a great wrong to all sorts of people. Sir Phillip Lloyd-Graeme said that as a matter or fact, the Acts were the best assurance, if wc had to face another war, that we were prepared to equip our forces with efficient industries. They were also the best insurance for peace. Jt would be unwise to icpeal the Acts at a time when the United States had created a tariff under circumstances which were likely to lead to attempts at dumping in this country.

Air Asquith ridiculed the imposition of a 33 1-3 per cent, duty on 'German products, when the mark stood at nearly 40,000. If tlierc had been a sliding scale, adjusted to the rate of exchange. that would have been consistent. Otherwise the duty was useless. If not, it was a plain violation of commercial treaties, and a hind.rar.ee 1 (j business and wa % condemned by the whole banking and commercial community.

Sir Robert Horne urged that the duty of 33 1-3 per cent had an important beneficial bearing upon the internal and external value of the mark. The Act was the product of Air Asquith’s Government, which had appointed the Ballour and Burleigh committee. which reported that key industries, such as the chemical industry, must be retained at all costs.

The amendment was rejected by 269 Votes to 207.