THE EMPIRE CHRISTMAS PUDDING [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SHI,--With reference to the letter from Mr. E. G. Brunker, which appeared in your issue of December 17th, may I be allowed the courtesy of your columns to refute some misre- presentations which are being widely circulated by those who are always so ready to help every one but their own country- men? A special appeal has been issued this year to use Empire ingredients for Christmas puddings, and this appeal has been answered by his Majesty and by households both big and small throughout the land. A counter appeal of those who advocate a "Foreign Free Trade Pudding" contains the statement that the housewife has the right to buy in the cheapest market, and if, therefore, currants from Greece arc cheaper and better, why should she be exploited by a "State- financed advertisement' urging her to buy Empire fruits for which she pays twopence or threepence more ?
For the guidance of those who are hesitating between the choice of Empire and foreign fruits, and for the information of those whose preference is for the foreign, might I point out that dried fruits from the Empire are duty free, whilst those from foreign countries pay import duty ? Again, with regard to the conditions under which the fruits are prepared, surely the balance is in favour of the Dominions. Dr. Haden Guest's report shows that conditions in some of the continental countries are hardly appetizing. The purchase of Empire produce enhances the purchasing power of Empire workers. For the three months ended March 31st, 1927, the purchase of British goods by Australia was 22 13s. per head of the population, whilst the highest figure for a foreign country was the Netherlands, with 13s. 9d. per head of the population.
I hope the foregoing will persuade prospective purchasers to make their choice on the side of the Empire, although I have no hope of convincing those whose only ostensible reason for the attitude they adopt is to be " contrariwise."—I am,
Sir, &c., DOROTHY JACOBS,
Secretary.
Empire Industries AssocialMn, 26 Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W .1.
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