The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19th, 1925. TRADE PREFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19th, 1925. TRADE PREFERENCE.

Tun question of supporting local and British manufacturers in preference to toreign competitors is touched upon in the annual report of the Stores Control Board. “One of the first matters considered' by tho board after its constitution.'’ states tlie report, “was that of preference to local and British manufacturers when competing wit! foreign manufacturers. With the approval of Cabinet it was decided to grant local manufacturers preference over alt competitors and British manufacturers preference over foreign manufacturers. The degree of preference is substantial in each instance, being based generally on the Customs tariff. Each ease, however, is considered on it.; merits, and if the approved percentage of preference is (Teemed inadequate Cabinet is recommended to increase the percentage. There is no doubt that this policy has greatly benefited both the local and the British producer: indeed, except for certain special classes of stores which are not obtainable within the Empire, the amount expended abroad is negligible. The policy has not, however, been pursued without difficulties arising, some of which have caused serious concern to the hoard. The privilege extended to Dominion and British manufacturers necessarily implies that there shall be unrestricted competition among the preferred tenderers. Any action taken by preferred manufacturers or other suppliers prior to the closing dates for

tenders with the object of fixing prices is an abvious breach ot tne implied condition. It has come to the knowledge of the board that- attempts have been made to establish trade combinations for the purpose of controlling prices. Such attempts, if successful, would necessitate action to protect the interests of the public. The board trusts that the preferred manufacturers will themselves use every effort to discountenance a system which, if established. would render difficult the maintenance of a policy the Government desires to continue. A special committee consisting of three trained stores officers, representing respectively the Railway, Public Works and Post and Telegraph Departments,” adds the report, “has been appointed to deal with the standardisation of all descriptions of stores required by Government Departments. The committee commenced its sittings in February last. and lias already submitted reports covering a number of articles commonly used by all Department;-:. The work requires the examination of a great amount of data, and it will be some time before the board can finally deal with the many matters requiring consideration. It may be said, however, that the information already obtained points to the advisability ol the board drawing up its own specifications for all classes of stores and taking the precautions necessary to ensure that all contractors and other suppliers comply strictly with such specifications.” The report estimates the total expenditure on stores during the year which ended on March 111 last at £-1.-1 1G.833 Is ltd.