PREPERENTIAL TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 2

PREPERENTIAL TRADE.

Parted Press Association—Copyright Received July 16, ii. 32 p.m. LOIN DUN, July 16. ip the House of Commons Mr. Lyttelton moved the vote of censure ouoled on June U&tii. He complained uiat the colonial Premiers’ proposals met witli uuqualihed rejection at mo Hands of the Government. He congratulated Mr. Lloyd George on scattering to the winds at the Conterence the argument that a commercial tie was a soruid bond. Mr. Lyttelton insisted that preference would stimulate intercourse with the colonies, remove many difficulties in the forei"" policy, promote consistency and coherence by transferring divergent into common interests; and also increase the power of the colonies to oear the burden of Empire. Mr. Soares then moved the amendment cabled on July Ist. Mr. Churchill said it was curious to censure the Government for keeping its election promises. Really the motion was only a cry of petulant vexation. It was idle to discuss preference without definite proposals, showiug the subjects they contemplated taking. He asked did the Opposition adhere to the protective duties enumerated by Mr. Chamberlain in 1903 ? If preference was given on existing dutiable articles, how would the gap in the revenue be filled up? Such a system of preference would introduce the vicious feature of discrimination between one class of producers and another. A fiscal revolution involving taxes on necessaries of life would be certain to create an anti-colonial party in Britain.

Mr. Balfour declared that nobody desired a protective duty on food. If colonial preference were given, the valuable colonial concessions already granted would be largely increased. It would be very rash to slam the door in the face of the colonies. It would be wiser to make some immediate sacrifices, though he did not believe anv were required. Since it was imperative to broaden the basis of taxation the new taxes should be used for the purposes of giving colonial preference. Mr. Asquith categorically answered Mr. Balfour. Would he tax corn, meat, wool, butter; and added since no answer was forthcoming he would leave the matter there.

Mr. Lyttelton’s motion was rejected bv 404 to 111. Mr. Soare’s amendment was carried without division, the Liberals loudlv cheering.