BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1930, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

BRITISH CONSERVATIVES

PLANS FOR TARIFF INCREASES.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, April (

Mr .Baldwin has repeated his pledge that he would enact no food t: xes without a referendum. He said that the Conservative Party would proceed with safeguarding tariffs the moment th"o were returned to office. r l lev wanted a free hand with safeguarding where Government considered it necessary for the protection of the labour of their own people as against cheaper labour, or inferior conditions, or ago,last dumping by any countries. It would be a weapon to use in negotiating treaties with protectionists countries, and in case of need would serve for retaliation if negotiations failed. The question of food taxes would only arise when the Imperial Economic Conference had threshed out a treaty .between Great Britain and Dominions if the Dominions, in exchange for granting substantial tariff benefits to Britain’s manufacturing industries, required corresponding benefits connected with foodstuffs—in consequence of which it would he necessary to put taxation on foreign foodstuffs—then a Conservative Government would sub.jnit that treaty to the people of Great Britain, who would he ‘ free to vote aye. or nay. Nothing could he more democratic.