Sir Auckland Geddes in the House of Commons on Monday
explained, on behalf of Sir Albert Stanley, who is ill, the Govern. ment's policy in regard to trade. Goods from any part of the Empire and all raw materials could be imported freely. Partly manufactured goods would be admitted freely unless they corn- Feted with the produce of home industries " which it was essential to foster in this country and which required shielding." The same reetriction would apply to manufactured goods, with the further condition that they must be " essential " to the British con- sumer. This, said Sir Auckland Geddes, was a transitional polity which would be reconsidered not later than September let. In regard to exports, the restrictions on which are causing much anxiety in Lancashire and the Midlands, he stated that the problem was to induce the Allies to modify their own ban on imports of manufactures. Goode not needed here nor artificially cheapened by Government subsidies could be exported to Neutrals. Sir Auckland Geddes expressed the hope that the blockade of Germany might soon be raised. The transition from war to peace is admittedly difficult, but traders will rejoice at the abolition of the beavy.handed Government control.
Previous page
