IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1930, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

EMPIRE FREE TRADE,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 11 a.m.)

LONDON 7 , Oct. 13. The Imperial Conference delegates V generally discussed alternative British J, ideas of promoting Empire trade. A definite outcome of the deliberations is the British Government has clearly signified acceptance of the principle that where British tariffs exist preference will be applied as long as the tariffs continue. Heads of delegations after an exehango of views adjourned until to-morrow. United Kingdom departments will consider the Dominions specific proposals and their effect on trade, reporting subsequently to heads. The controversy regarding Mr Bennett’s ten per cent announcement was clarified by the explanation that it is ten per cent of the existing duty added thereto. For instance taking ' thirty per cent, thirty-three with upwards and downwards flexibility according to circumstances, Mr Grahaftl opened the discussion Oil possible methods of trade organisation on a preferential batsifi including, tl\e Import Board’s quota system, applicable to wheat of intor-Impcrial arrangements, in which there are special credit facilities. Mutual trade rationalisation was also discussed involving a Dominion producing part of the product and Britain computing manufacture of commodities. The disout&ion included wheat, coal, iroii and steel. It is felt that the time has arrived when tho specific application of principles should supersede general discussion.

THE TARIFF PREFERENCE. (Received this day at 1.0 p.in.) LONDON, October 13. Hope was deferred not exactly of making Dominion delegates hearts r sick, but one or two instances, making a severe call on the patience of some. It was expected that Mr W. Graham this morning would disclose Britain’s answer to last week’s suggestions and adopt a. broad line of preferences, but Mr Graham talked generalities and ramification of Britain’s trade. He mentioned the import board hulk purchases fixed the quotas and used Dominions products such as wheat as avenues which should not be omitted from the general survey, which departmental experts will make before * the Conference gets down to details. Mr R. B. Bennet, having stated the i ense, perhaps shrank from political capjtal with which it was instantly itivest- \ ed and to-day pldyed the role of listliel'i Ml 1 G, W. Forbes was attlollgst the more insistent minority, who thought an indication of a high policy might be given. Mr J, H. Soullin again filled the part of a patient bargainer and is anxious not to close the door while there is a semblance of a chance of making the deal. , !

it is unlikely that even to-morrow will bring anything more definite from Britain than what degree of definiteness can be' given by the spokesman. The earliest statement, relating to Britain’s viewpoint on tariff preferences, remains a moot point. The Australian Press Representative to-night asked the spokesman to explain it more .clearly in order to avoid misinterpretation. The .spokesman’s answer was—“So long as the tariffs continue in this country preferences under them remain.”