EMPIRE TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1926, Page 1

EMPIRE TRADE.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 18. Tile House of Commons went into committee on the Board of Trade estimates. Dealing with the safeguarding of industries, Sir Robert Hamilton (Liberal) protested against commerce being put in the hands of irresponsible committees, who were not bound by laws of procedure, or by rules of evidence. Such a course weakened the authority of the Parliament. The country should know what was being done in regard to any change in tike fiscal system, instead of its being relegated to a committee.

Sir R. Horne (Conservative) answered and made pleas to develop trade with Russia. He said that to grant something to Russia in preference to the Dominions would simply be madness.

Sir P. Cunliffe Lister, replying to criticisms, said that control boards were a natural development and were sound in principle. He enumerated the ‘advantages of pooling, notably uniform grading, improved marketing, continuity of supplies, and avoidance of speculation. He was sure any attempt to withold supplies, without a monopoly- (and there was no question of that) would bo bound to defeat its own object, while a sound control board policy benefited tbo consumers cud producers. Moreover, these- boards wore not peculiar to the Empire. Practically tbo whole of the Californian fruit and the Danish bacon was similarly marketed in Britain. Flc pointed out that nn Economic Committee could explore the advantages of the boards, and also disadvantages it any existed. The events of the past fortnight has emphasised that it wins absolutely vital (bat- all efforts should bo devoted to settlement and building up trade. British manufacturers diould be ready to instal the best plant and there must be a response on the part of the workmen to justify the expenditure. lie would continue- the “Buy British Goods” campaign. He was convinced the country was going to practise it, thus creating employment at home and increasing the trade balance available for investment and development, particularly of Emipre markets. The trade returns showed the importance of the home and Kmmrc markets, but- we must get the biggest share possible in any market. 'I lie sale of our goods was helped by u reduction of prices, and also by British prestige, which ho believed was to-day higher than ever. There was great admiration of Britain everywhere, and wo could use that prestige to advance in the world markets and fo redress a great deal of the loss which otherwise might come from an industrial upheaval.