COLONIAL EMPIRE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 207, 26 April 1932, Page 6

COLONIAL EMPIRE

(British Official Wireless)

BRITISH PREFEREN CES OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH DOMINIONS

RUGBY, Saturday. The position of the Colonial Empire which is suffering heav'ly owing to the world depression, was reviewed in the House of Commons to-day by the Colonial Secretary (Sir P. Cunlhfe Lister). He said several colonies had 'only been able to carry on with the assistance of grant.s in aid or loans from the British Treasury, ancl a number of other colonies would he ra the same postion hut for the fact that in more prosperous times they had accumulated reserves, on which they were able to draw. The Colonialof fice was continuing the practice oi helping the admin:strations hy means of flnancial missions to frame their budgets and effect economies. The Colonial Emrire was almost entirely depondent upor prlraavy products, and he was glad to say there was some sign of improvement in commodity pr'ces, instancing coffeecocoa and maize. The increased preferences given to the Colonies come at an opportune time, and they had security of markets. The colonies • were largely dependent for their revenue on tariffs some of which were as high as 50 per cent. or more, offering scope for agreements between themselves and the Dominions as well as Br'tain. Very Good Moddl The agreement between Canada and the West Indies was a very good model, and opportunities would arise at Ottawa of carrying that agreement _further, and seeing what-developmant