BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

IN THE COMMONS. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. . (Australian Press Association & Sun.) (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.> LONDON, March 0. In the Commons, Mr Ormsby Gore in answer to a question said Imperial preference led to large increases in the import of Empire wines. The average yearly imports from 1909 to 1913 totalled 1,031,000 gallons. Preference, first introduced in 1919, wasraised in 1925. The figures for years 1919 to 1927 were 431/100, 977,500 1919 to 1927 were were 531,000 gal-. lons, 977,000 gallons, 609.000 gallons. 702,000 gallons, 967,000 gallons, 1,105.000 gallons, 1,294,000 gallons. 2,056,000 gallons, 4,666,000. He was satisfied of the good effects of Imperial preferences upon production and employment were widely being given attention throughout the Empire. Mr Baldwin in answer to a question said New Zealand Navy’s recent operations in Samoa were not subject to British Cabinet’s approval. Now ( Zealand was responsible for Western Samoa and despatched the naval vessels. The action was solely a matter for the New Zealand 'Government and the King. 7 He told questioners that negotia- f ti‘ons / were proceeding for several amalgamations in coal mining as well ; as for the formation of district agencies. ITe hoped the latter would even- () tually enable the trade to negotiate v nationally regarding market and s prices. 1 lie was not prepared to cal! a European mining conference with a view to establishing uniform hours and wages. Mr Churchill was asked to try to induce recent anonymous donors of sums for debt reduction to disclose their names in order that the move- j. ment bo stimulated bv the force of a t good example. S( Mr Churchill did not think this dosi ruble. v