TARIFF REVISION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1932, Page 6

TARIFF REVISION

AT NEXT SESSION. PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT CHRISTCHURCH, September 15. One of the most important matters % that will be dealt with during the session of Parliament which opens l this monthf will be a complete revision of the tariff. The Prime Minister said this morning that it was proposed" to open the whole of the tariff for revision, but nothing that was proposed to be done -would be detrimental to the local manufacturers. •'■•■■■-’ “The revision of the tariff on certain articles was discussed before Mr Downie Stewart left for Ottawa,” said Mr Forbes, “and there has been a great, deal of collaboration between the Customs Department and the manufacturers ini regard to the question. The action proposed to be taken is being very carefully thought out.”

Mr Forbes said 'that a number of the recommendations made by the National Expenditure Commission in its second report would be put! into e.uect this year, and there were others which would not become operative until next financial year. However, whatever could be done this year in the direction of further reducing G’ov-. eminent expenditure would be put in hand, and provision would be made in the Estimates for saving to ba made immediately.

Legislation would be brought down dealing with the State superannuation funds on the lines of the Commission’s report, but he was not to indicate at this stage the nature ol the proposals. Mr Forbes was non-committal when the subject of lower taxation was mentioned to him. He remarked that everybody was hoping that it would be possible to reduce taxation soon, but it was too early yet to say what could be done and the pulbic would have to wait until the Financial Statement was presented. When asked if any new industrial legislation would be brought down this yeaii the Prime Minister replied that no necessity had arisen for such legislation.

In the House of Representatives the Address-in-Reply will be moved by Mr J. A. Massey, member for Franklin, seconded by .Mr P. MoSkimming, member for Clu'tha. The Hon. J. Trevethick will move the Afldress-in-Renly in the Legislative Council, and it will be seconded hv the Hon. G. J. Smith.