EMPIRE ASSEMBLY IDEA

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 12

EMPIRE ASSEMBLY IDEA

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE NOT SUFFICIENT NEW PROCEDURE WANTED Special to THE SUN WELLINGTON, Today. Di'satisfied with the present state of I]; Imperial Conference and the length of time between its- meetings, tho British Chambers of Commerce has proposed the formation of an Empire Assembly. In a. report advocating this course, which has been forwarded to New Zealand, the Chambers of Commerce point out that the time had arrived for the Imperial Conference to take Herat Lon the t rade relations existing between the various parts of the Empire and that a new procedure is needed in order that an < ffoetive policy may be formulated. It is objected that the present, confer- « nces, held at intervals of three years, do not permit the close contact which is necessary if the trade of the Empire is to be developed on progressive lines. In the intervals, rapid changes in trade conditions are taking place all over the world. The work of the Imperial Economic Fummittee is recognised as valuable, l*ut it pointed out that the functions of the committee are purely advisory, with no executive powers, and that the committee cannot be looked upon as an effective means of promoting Empire economic unity. A tribute is paid to the Empire Marketing Board, and it is stated that the time has come when arrangements should bo made for the advertising of United Kingdom goods in the Dominions. At Ti.. moment. Dominions’ goods are .advertised in Britain, but traders have i<> rely on ther own efforts to sell their goods in the Empire overseas. The i'Cconstitution of the board is sug- • .'sted, and the Chambers of Commerce - onsider that it should undertake the insk or' popularising the goods and products of each part of the Empire in .11 other parts. For this purpose, it i , suggested that each Government of the Empire should make a contribution to a central fund. The chambers express the opinion ’’.at the machinery of the Imperial « onference should be completely overhauled. Representatives are sent to the League of Nations every three months, and there should be an as- ■ mbiy of the British Commonwealth 1 Nations. Specially convened meetings on the lines of the Geneva conurences are considered imperative. It. i • recommended that there should be «■? eated an organisation which might be known as the Empire Trade As- -« mbiy. and that this body should be charged with the necessary arrangements for conferences of responsible •presentatives of the different parts ■ i the Empire tit regular intervals, for the discussion of questions affecting Empire trade. The work of the Economic Committee of the League of 'cations and of the International Labour Office is held up as an example «’ r what could be achieved within the Empire itself. The chambers believe that this sug- ' .'ted assembly would be of great hr noil t. A special section might be ioi med in which the economic effect of the various trade policies in fore© ?• light be investigated and discussed. In addition, it is urged that a new . •inisterial post should bo created, this . minister to give his time to questions • Empire trade and to be responsible •or the meetings of the now body. The first step, it is urged, should be the ■ r ation of the now machinery. After this the committee should consider and ; uvise on the subject of a trade policy within the Empire if this is • und possible. This policy should be designed to bring about the constant growth and development of each part.