TRADE PROPOSALS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 386, 31 March 1932, Page 9

TRADE PROPOSALS.

New Zealand’s Policy for Ottawa. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, March 31. A brief respite from the almost continuous sittings of Cabinet was taken this morning to permit a meeting of the special sub-committee of the Ministry, consisting of Mr Forbes, Mr Stewart and Mr Masters, set up to prepare a policy for submission on behalf of New Zealand at the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa in July.

Mr Forbes stated to-day that the question of the personnel of the delegation to go to Ottawa did not arise in connection with the committee’s sitting. That was a matter for Cabinet’s decision and it had not yet been determined. The committee, he said, was desirous of hearing the views of interested sections of the community— Chambers of Commerce, the Manufacturers’ Association, the Farmers’ Union and other bodies—so that it would be in a position to formulate definite proposals for Ottawa in line with the opinions of trading interests in the Dominion.

Information as to various aspects of trade in New Zealand was also being collated for the committee by the Customs Department, the Department of Industries and Commerce, and the Agriculture Department. The fullest opportunity would be given for an expression of views before the committee. In reply to a question, Mr Forbes said that it was not proposed to make available for general information the policy which the Government would draw up. This policy would be taken as a basis for negotiation with representatives of the Old Country and for argument round the table at Ottawa. It was suggested that the New Zealand delegation might enter into negotiations for tariff concessions in addition to those recently announced by Great Britain under the new preferential treatment arrangement and that New Zealand would be asked what assistance she was prepared to offer in return.