MAKE BRITAIN MARKET FOR DOMINION PRODUCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 575, 30 January 1929, Page 11

MAKE BRITAIN MARKET FOR DOMINION PRODUCE

TRADE EXPERT’S ADVICE AGREEMENTS ADVOCATED (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Associatio7i) (United Service) Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday. “Empire trade at present resembles an inverted pyramid. The only way to place it on a proper foundation is to make Britain the main market for Dominion produce/' said Sir Benjamin Morgan at the Empire Society's luncheon to-day. He was specially referring to the fruit trade, in which, he pointed out, the Dominions faced competition from the Levant, where the standard of living was extremely low. The Levant supplied 60 to 70 per cent, of Britain’s requirements. He urged that Britain should assist the Dominions in attaining a higher standard of living. He expressed the opinion that Empire preferences had almost reached their limit and should be replaced by reciprocal commercial agreements. He regretted the South African agreement with Germany which was prejudicing Britain’s position. He emphasised the fact that Britain must consolidate her position by agreements with the Dominions before the Dominions entered agreements with foreign countries. Sir Benjamin Morgan was British Trade Commissioner to South Africa in 1902, and to Australia, New Zealand and Canada in 1908. He is chairman of the British Empire Producers’ Association and is connected with several other trade organisations. It was at his suggestion that the British Government first appointed permanent Imperial Trade Commissioners. He is the author of numerous works on trade and commerce.