Mr Coates Objects.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20363, 21 July 1934, Page 10

Mr Coates Objects.

Had No Peace Because of Lobbying. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 20. “ I have heard nothing but complaints from your people. I do not think it is quite right,” said the Minister of Customs, Mr Coates, to Mr A. W. Hawley, in the course of a deputation to-day on behalf of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Ltd., London. Mr Coates said that British imports had a preference of 58 per cent over those of foreign manufacture, and if that did not satisfy he did not know what would. “ I know this,” Mr Coates said, “instead of when the tariff came down talking about it with me, Mr Hawley, ' you have been actively lobbying, and I am quite prepared to leave the matter to the House to decide.” Mr Hawley replied that he rather resented that statement because Mr Coates knew quite well, even if he liked to call it active lobbying, that he had been talking on the subject to Ministers, including Mr Coates himself, for months before the bringing down of the resolutions, and never on any occasion had he been rebuked. Mr Coates: I am not rebuking you. Mr Hawley said that what the Minister apparently called active lobbying was a round-table informal discussion called at the instigation of members. If he were not here to give information, what was his job? I ask you In all sincerity, is there anything wrong in discussing the matter with private members, any more than discussing it with Ministers?” he said. Mr Coates: I must leave that to your good judgment. Mr Hawley: There has definitely been nothing underhand or unconstitutional in the matter. Mr Coates: I am not Saying that, but I have had private members pouring into my room and I have not had a moment’s peace.