Vol. 18 No. 20
On behalf of Senator Seumas Robinson I beg to move:—
That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Standing Orders 79 (1) and 85, the Committee Stage and Report Stage of the Customs Duties (Preferential Rates) Bill, 1934 be taken to-day.
I second.
It seems most extraordinary that a Bill of this importance should be allowed to pass, so far, through the House, without any comment. The reason I did not speak upon the Second Reading Stage was that I accepted the position taken up by the Government in this particular case, that is, that preferences should not be automatic, but that they should be the basis of agreements. But I would not like to be taken as agreeing that the passing of this Bill, without comment, was an assumption that we should not make a very big effort to continue those preferences that have resulted in advantages to ourselves. I take it, for instance, that the Government would not, in any circumstances, make any difference between ourselves and Canada because we have a specific agreement with Canada. The powers given by a Bill of this kind could be used for putting pressure upon India and on other Dominions in the endeavour to secure that they should give us as good treatment as Canada does. The fact, is that we are not getting fair treatment from some parts of the British Commonwealth—at least, I do not think we are. Preferences are given by some of these Dominions to Great Britain which do not apply here. Of course, that is their affair, and they must judge for themselves whether they are acting wisely or not. But I think it is plain that while that state of affairs exists it is up to our Government to take what steps they can to see that our traders and manufacturers here doing business with those Dominions should feel that our Government has done its best to get reciprocal consideration for them. The Government knows the difficulties experienced by our traders in regard to some of these Dominions. I believe that applies to New Zealand. Negotiations, I believe, are going on with India. I presume the Minister is not yet in a position to make any statement with regard to them but I hope he soon will be. I make these comments because as the Bill is now going through all its stages I would like to make clear the reasons why I supported such a measure.
The position is somewhat as Senator Douglas has stated. In the case of Canada there is an agreement under which we are bound to give most-favoured-nation treatment to the products of that country. We concluded an agreement with South Africa which was not of great importance and to which I refer because it was the only type of agreement possible with that country. It is an agreement which sets out certain definite concessions to be given by each party. In the case of India negotiations are at present in progress. They were adjourned for some weeks to enable the Indian delegates to get more specific instructions from their Government. In the case of Australia and New Zealand I think it would be correct to say that negotiations are in progress but have not advanced very far yet. I think there is reason to believe we will be able to get down more definitely to the making of agreements with these countries at some time in the near future. In each case, we propose to use as bargaining factors the concessions at present enjoyed by these countries. The question of the continuance of these concessions will arise and it is necessary therefore to have the power to continue or withdraw those concessions as the results of negotiations may determine.
Arising out of the statement just made I understand that there are negotiations going on at present with India. Is the reason that we are giving preference to Indian tea, to enable us, subsequently, to be in a position to make a deal on the strength of our purchases from India?
There always has been a preferential rate of duty, in respect of tea, the benefit of which is being enjoyed by India. What arises in these negotiations is whether that is going to continue and that will depend upon our getting from India similar preferential treatment.
I have always wondered why China tea should have to pay a heavier Customs duty than any other. As a matter of fact, China tea is far more healthy than Indian tea as everyone knows who has lived in India.
