EMPIRE TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 13, 16 January 1932, Page 7

EMPIRE TRADE

BLOCKING SOVIET LUMBER. VANCOUVER, Jan. 14. The Premier of British Columbia, Mr. Tolmie, has requested Mr. Bennett to instruct the High Commissioner in London to notify the British Government that acquiescence in the English lumber importers’ petition that the importation of Soviet lumber be not interfered with through tariffs or preference would be a blow to Canada and likely to injure the Imperial Conference. The Premier of Quebec wired Mr. Bennett to the same effect. The leading merchants are claiming that Vancouver is the first city in the Empire to take a practical move towards Empire trade, and are using the Trade Board Organisation to launch a campaign for a greater exchange of British goods. THE FRAMING OF DUTIES LONDON, Jan. 14. Simple ad valorem duties, pending creating a Tariff Board, to promulgate a full scientific tariff, constitute the chief suggestion of the programme of the Grand Council of the Federation of British Industries to restore Britain’s prosperity. It states that “ industry would accept duties on food and raw materials or other measures to obtain the widest possible extension of Empire preference. ’ ’

IRISH FREE STATE

TRADE WITH BRITAIN [ British Official Wireless. ] RUGBY, Jan. 14. Mr. Walter Runciman yesterday received representatives of the Irish Free State. The discussion was concerning the possibilities of improving trade between the two countries and of securing the closest practical collaboration in trade proolems. Mr. Runciman stated that he and his colleagues were anxious to cooperate with the Free State Government, and explained that on the reassembly of Parliament a statement would be made as to their policy for developing inter-Commonwealth trade. It is an'Zipated that a further order under the Abnormal Importations Act will be issued shortly.