REVISION OF TARIFF.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 February 1921, Page 3

REVISION OF TARIFF.

PRELIMINARIES IN HAND. I_ _ METHOD OF PROCEDUREPreliminary business in connection with the revision of the customs tariff next session is proceeding. The Prime Minister explained in an interview this week that nothing affecting the details of the new tariff would be macle public until the documents embodying them were laid before Parliament. The new rates then came into force immediately, though they were still subject to alteration by Parliament. This was the usual procedure. He recalled that the the time of the last revision, when the late Mr Seddon was Prime Minister, he, as Leader of the Opposition, was responsible for altering the suggested rates on a number of articles, for which he thought there should be duties differing from those suggested. No information concerning the details could be given before the whole matter was submitted to Parliament. With regard to the general lines upon which the revision would he based, Mr. Massey said that, as he had announced before, the new tariff would be much more of a preferential one than had ever ruled before. There were a number of anomalies to be adjusted. This was inevitable, since anomalies were growing up all the time. Beyond this nothing further could be said at present. The revision, he added, was a complicated business, not often attempted by a Parliament. There had been two during his experience as a member. Beyond himself, there was no member of the Government who had seen a tariff go through the House. His experience of it Ind been as a private member, still,he , knew what was required to be done. '