BRITISH TARIFF

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1931, Page 5

BRITISH TARIFF

IMPORTS RUSHED IN

TO FORESTALL DUTIES.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, November 28

The French Finance Minister, M. Flandin arrived in London this morning. He is joining a shooting party as the guest of his friend, Sir Gomer Berry, but it is expected he will use the occasion of his visit to discuss, informally, with appropriate Ministers various current questions, including the tariff issue. The French Ministry of Commerce last night issued a communique referring to the effect of the restrictive measures taken by the British Government upon French exports, and expressing, the intention of the French Government to negotiate an agreement safeguarding the interests of both countries. A rush of foreign exporters to get goods into Britain before the “abnormal importations’’ Orders came into operation is reflected in the Board of Trade figures just issued. They show that as far a ; s the commodities af'fected by the orders are concerned the imports for the first ten days of November equal, r and sometimes exceed the total imports for October,' while the figuers for October Ifet to Novehrber 10th, are, oil, the average double the total imports for the Complete months of October and November last year, POSITION IN FRANCE, DESIRE FOR A NEW TREATY, LONDON; November 30. The newspares are giving prominence to M. Flandin’s meeting of Cabineters which is popularly associated with France’s desire to negotiate tor a new commercial Anglo-Brit’ish treaty as speedily as possible. Protectionist organs point out that it is necessary for Britain to move warily, and that no preferential treaty must be concluded before the Imperial Conference. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent is of the opinion that M. Flandin is exploring the ground preparatory to negotiations which M. Follin proposes to initiate regarding anti-dumping duties. Paris is most anxious to prevent the imposition of further duties on French wines and perfumery, also to see the sterling stabilised at a high level if possible. French banks are willing to grant liberal loans for credit purpose. ROME, November 30. . Italy’s anti-dumping measures have suggested that a new scheme for the protection of Italian agriculture is following up the drastic increase in tariff. Manufacturers and agriculturists appealed to Signor Mussclifij similarly to protect agriculture. Mussolini agreed to the new duties imposed on wheat, ahd other products, but fanners were warned that they must not. exploit the consumer behind the tariff wall.