CUSTOMS TARIFF

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1933, Page 5

CUSTOMS TARIFF

BELAY IN REPORT NO REVISION THIS YEAR. (Per Press Issociation — Copyright j WELLINGTON, September 14. Referring to the warrant published i)n tp-night’s Gazette extending the time in which the Customs Tariff Commission is to furnish ils report, Mr Coates said that when in May last the Commission was appointed, it was, fully expected that the reside of its investigations would have been available in sufficient- time to enable the Government ■to give full consideration to the report and to introduce the necessary amending legislation during the coming session of Parliament. The chairman of the Commission, before going south, had informed the Government that the report could not be available this year, owing to the large volume of evidence offering, and' he asked for an extension until the 31st of January next of the. time in which the Commission is to make a report. “It is regretted,” said Mr Coates, “that the Commission’s report will not he available until the date mentioned, but after consideration of all of the factors, it was considered advisable to take the course indicated, and it will not, therefore, be possible to deal with the necessary legislation this year. The Government are fully aware of the disturbing effect which alterations in the tariff have on the business of the mercantile community and it is their desire' that- the investigation now being made should be as ■■ complete as possible in order that a customs tariff may be devised, which will meet the conditions of the, country for some time to come. ( “This statement is’ made as an indication to the business community ■ that alterations in the tariff cannot be effected at an early date. ’ In 'the nor- ';' mal course' of events, Parliament would assemble some time'next June, but in 5J 'view of the impossibility of dealing f wi>b the tariff -this year,. consideration will be given to the question -of -ad- (1 journing Parliament at its forthcoming session or of calling Parliament to- ;j ether JRext year, /to consider legislation regarding the revision of the ( tariff.”