TARIFF BARRIERS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1930, Page 6

TARIFF BARRIERS

TRUCE CONVENTION. OPTIMISTIC SPEECH. RUGBY, March 25. Replying to questions in the House >f Commons regarding proceedings at ieneva in connection with the suggestd tariff truce, Mr W. Graham, Presi!oiit of the Board of Trade, said that he had taken part in the discussions. To was glad to state that a convention .vasssigned. yesterday, as well as a protocal regarding future iiegotiamns for reducing trade barriers. Both documents were signed on behalf of Great Britain. The former was also signed by ten other countries, and the ! atter by fourteen other countries. The text of the documents would duly be laid before the blouse.

Mr Graham was .asked whether his 'Ttentiou had been called to a statepent by the Chairman of the Committee tliat, if they had taken the first hesitating step, that was ajl they bad lone, and whether that justified his 'ptimism. . • Air Graham replied: “While it is ‘rue that the convention now signed falls short of the original, draft, it is nevertheless, in my opinion, a very ■aluahle document.”

A member inquired whether these documents precluded any step being taken by the British Government to safeguard any enterprise in this country.

Afr Graham said: “J think that tne -(feet will he this.: That they cto give 's a basis on which to proceed to negotiations for a discussion on the rohiction of tariffs in Europe, and I believe that this would he of very 'rent importance to the trade of this •ownin'.”