H.— 28A.

13

There are many other matters connected with the proposals now before the House that will require consideration, but concerning which I do not think it is necessary to make any statement at the present time. These I propose to deal with at a later date. RATES OF DUTY. In pursuance of the principles set out above, the Government has decided to make a number of alterations in the tariff to the chief of which, so far as they affect the British Preferential Tariff, I now propose to refer. Protective duties abolished : — Certain stock foods. Electric cooking and heating appliances. Nails n.e.i. Iron and steel pipes and fittings therefor. Linseed oil. White lead in oil. Motor car bodies. Radio sets in cabinets. With respect to radio sets I might mention that it has been decided that such sets of foreign manufacture are to be charged at 35 per cent, if imported built up, whether in cabinets or not. Only the parts not built up are to be admitted at the old General Tariff rate of 25 per cent. In the following cases the protection has been reduced : — Reductions from 25 per cent, to 20 per cent. — Preserved and dried milk. Soap. Hats, caps, and millinery. Boots and shoes. Leather manufactures. Glass bottles. Stationery and paper, manufactured. Oil engines. Galvanized iron manufactures, metal office furniture, &c. Reductions from 25 per cent, to 15 per cent.— Tinware. Furniture and upholstery. Reductions from 20 per cent, to 15 per cent. — Paints and varnishes. Biscuits. Reductions from 20 per cent, to 10 per cent. — Baking powder. Plaster pulp sheets. Metal and stove polishes. Leather dressings and polishes. Miscellaneous reductions — Wooden doors : From 30 per cent, or 4s. per door to 25 per cent. Confectionery and chocolate : 27 J per cent, to 20 per cent. Apparel: From 27J per cent, to 25 per cent, or 20 per cent., according to kind. Whole maize : From 2s. per cental to Is. 6d. per cental. Jams, jellies, and preserves : From 2d. per lb. to Id. per lb. Vinegar : From 6d. per gal. to 3d. per gal. Cement: From Is. per cwt. to 8d. per cwt. Matches, wax and wooden :1s. per gross of boxes to 9d. per gross of boxes, with corresponding reductions for larger containers.