A. —6b.

relation to agricultural products. The suggestion was that action should be taken towards the adoption of uniform standards of grading, at least as far as minimum grades are concerned. This is now being followed up by all Governments interested. I do not accept the view that overproduction is the basic cause of our economic troubles; and, while there are human needs unsatisfied, the deliberate curtailing of production as the way of bringing consumption and production into line would be a disastrous and defeatist policy. But for the present it is correct to say that, for primary producers especially, not the slogan "More production" but rather " More economical production "is the safer guide. That means a relentless search for more efficiency not on the farm alone, but in marketing and other co-operative organization. To take the dairy industry as an illustration, we are well advanced in having excellent co-operative dairy factories —the best in the world. But how much of the advantage is lost through overlapping and competition in collecting cream and milk, and through the co-operatives marketing in competition with one another ? These are matters for attention. It is by adjustments of this nature that our farmers can reap the benefits of the arrangements made at Ottawa, and for this reason I refer to the matter here. Though I have thus referred briefly to some of the problems that still face us, I think I can conclude my statement by claiming that the result of Ottawa represents a valuable achievement. Our exports are to be favoured, in part by increased preferences, guaranteed for a term of years, and in part by the regulation of foreign imports. The urgent need for raising and stabilizing the general price-level has been brought home to every one. Appropriate action along sound lines is being taken and will be continued to effect an adjustment, and already signs of improvement are evident. The mere fact that agreement has been reached is itself a considerable achievement. It is seen to be an achievement when one calls to mind the great diversity and range of problems and conflicting interests that faced the Conference. Representing one-fourth of the world's population, with different interests and races and creeds, the delegates were confronted by problems not less perplexing than those that confront so many independent nations. The Ottawa Conference, as honourable members are aware, was preceded by the Lausanne Conference, where European nations were successful in removing at least some of their outstanding differences and difficulties. It is to be followed by a world conference. Nothing was done at Ottawa by representatives of the British Commonwealth of Nations which will prejudice the success of that world conference. We were mindful, as I emphasized, of the urgent need for promoting world recovery. Ottawa was a step in that direction. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I should like to add a personal note of sincere appreciation of the services rendered to New Zealand and the Empire by Mr. Downie Stewart. His judgment and capacity were valued by all who took part in the Conference. As he is still absent in London, I must take responsibility for the statement which I have just made to the House. If he were here he would join with me in thanking our colleagues here who carried on short-handed in our absence and gave us loyal support and encouragement. I move, That the Agreement between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Government in New Zealand do lie upon the table and be printed.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (500 copies), £22 10s

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 932.

Price 6d. \

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