DOMINION AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19010, 29 July 1933, Page 5

DOMINION AFFAIRS.

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS

OTTAWA OUT OF DATE.

'POSITION OF IRISH FREE STATE,

United Assn.—Elec. Tel. CoD.vrlsr&v

LONDON, July 27,

A debate on Dominion affairs took place in the House of Commons last evening.Sir Archibald Sinclair (Liberal —• Caithness and Sutherland) said the changing economic conditions and fluctuating currencies in the Dominions had rendered the Ottawa agreements out of date. Nothing was done at Ottawa to prevent dumping, and certain Empire Governments found it advantageous to adopt the vicious method of export subsidies. Mr. L. S. Amery (Conservative, 'formerly Dominions Secretary) supported the continuation of the Empire Marketing Board. Mr. G. Lambert (National Liberal — South Molton, D'evon) declared that the c'heesemakers of Cheshire could not live owing to the Dominions’ competition. -It was inexcusable that Australia should dump -.her butter In England at prices below the home prices. The British farmer was entitled" to first place In the home market. Mr. P( J. Hannon (Conservative — Moseley, Birmingham) expressed the opinion that the Dominions Secretary, Mr. J. H. Thomas, had done all he possibly could to solve the Irish problem. It distressed him as an Irishman that the Irish were the only people in the Empire without a feeling of responsibility for the’Empire’s best interests. Minister’s Reply. Mr. Thomas, in replying, said it was impossible to judge the Ottawa agreements by one abnormal year. B&T Sven In that period Ottawa, had been justified. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Southern R'hodesia all had Increased British Imports in the first six months of 1933. He had the permission of the Minister of Agriculture, Major W. E. Elliot, to say there was every reason to believe the Dominions would adopt the report of the Imperial Consultative Committee. In regard to the Empire Marketing Board an effort would be made to maintain the individual branches of its , work in relation to British agriculture, timber' and also science. In regard to Ireland it was madness for Britain and the Free State to quarrel, but no opportunity to effect a settlement had been neglected. If the recent statement by Mr. Sean Lemass, Minister oT Industry and Commerce, was intended to open the door he (Mr. Thomas) aocepted it on behalf of the British Government, which would sympathetically examine any overtures the Free State might make.

Asked whether the Government was aware that discrimination was shown by the Free State against Industries in vVhich most of the capital was held by British shareholders, Mr Thomas said this must be considered In any general Irish settlement.