BRITISH EXPORT TRADE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160812, 20 November 1920, Page 3

BRITISH EXPORT TRADE

IMPORTANT OBSTACLES,

LONDON, Nov. 18. Mr Kelleway, speaking in Bedfordshire, stated that the great obstacle to British export trade is the inclusion of the so-called variation clause instead of quoting a firm price and a definite date for delivery. Manufacturers quote in such a-manner that the overseas buyer does not know for a certainty when he will receive, and what he will have to pay for goods. He was informed this was hampering trade in all parts of the world almost more than any other cause, as German and other countries’ quotations were fixed. The variation clause particularly affected municipal contracts. Mr Kelleway said he had received a complaint from New Zealand that in the case of machinery sold in the middle of 1919, delivery to take place in three months, the machinery had not been delivered, and the manufacturer had .raised the price from £285 to £385 sterling. It could be seen that agents of British firms were badly handicapped when persuading their customers they were receiving fair treatment. Nevertheless the British export trade was in serious difficulty while it was faced with uncertainty as to what labour would cost and the continual possibility of a strike.