TARIFF BILL.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1921, Page 4

TARIFF BILL.

DISCUSSED BY HOUSE. HPKCIIAIj TO IarARIIIAX. WE1,1,1 ACTON, Nov. 30 Considcralion of (he Tariff Bill in committee was undertaken by the House this evening. Men.hers had many suggest inns In make fur the encouragement of local indiisl i iys and for the adjustment ol (lie burden oi taxation. Most of I lie criticism related to minor points, ami il appeared, that Hie principles of the tariff were generally accepted by (lie House. Ncveinl speakers urged (lie ctiiiiitil of the lea duty. The l.ahoui members pioposctl that wages should automatically i ise with any increase ill the cost of In ing due to protective duties, and that industries producing the necessaries of life and dependant on proteelion fni their existence, should be Ink ell lIVI'I by (lie GiiVCMlllienl. hill these amendments weie ruled mil ol nrdei as being outside the tnrili'. The clause giving Government power to vary the tariff by order-in-eouneil was discussed at length. Members thought that the rights of the House were not sufficiently safeguarded, and that the use of wide powers by Government was undesirable. Mr Massey assured the House that all tariff treaties and tariff adjustment.made by the Government wore intended to he subject to ratification by Parliament. He undertook to consult the Attorney-General as to whether the Bill was sufficiently clear on the point.

The House adjourned at midnight alter dealing with the Bill as far as the schedule.