39 
only to schemes approved by the Dominion or Central 
Government concerned and certified by it to be in 
anticipation of normal expenditure. Payment would be 
made to the Dominion or Central Government which 
would be responsible for payment to the nltimate recipient. 
It is suggested that the maximum grant should be 
three-quarters of the interest charges for a period of five 
ears. 
3 In order to qualify for the Imperial contribution 
a scheme must be accepted by the Imperial Government 
within the next three years. The approval on behalf of the 
Imperial Government would be given after consultation 
with the Treasury, the Colonial or India Office and the 
Board of Trade. 
It would be understood that priority will be given to 
schemes involving the earliest placing of orders. 
3. IMPERIAL PREFERENCE. 
(1) TARIFF PREFERENCE. 
It was decided to adopt the following resolution : 
This Imperial Economic Conference, holding that, especially 
in present circumstances, all possible means should be taken 
to develop the resources of the Empire and trade between the 
Empire countries, desires to reaffirm the resolution on the 
subject of Imperial Preference passed by the Imperial War . 
Conference of 1917. 
Further, as regards Imperial Preference under the United 
Kingdom Customs Tariff to Empire goods, His Majesty’s Govern. 
ment intimated that they intended to submit to Parliament the 
following proposals : 
Dried Fruit. 
At present dried figs, raisins and plums (includes apricots) are 
dutiable at the rate of 10s. 6d. per cwt., if from foreign countries 
and enjoy if of Empire origin a preference of one-sixth, i.c., of 
1s. 9d. per cwt. 
It is proposed to admit these goods free of duty from the 
Empire so that Empire raisins, figs and plums will enjoy a preference 
of 10s. 6d. per cwt. 
Currants. 
At present dried currants are dutiable at the rate of zs. per cwt. 
and enjoy a preference of one-sixth, which on the existing duty 
only amounts {o 4d. 
His Majesty’s Government are prepared to offer free admission 
to Empire currants and to consider what increase in the duty on 
foreign currants may be necessary to make the preference effective, 
such increase {o come into force at a future date to be agreed upon. 
Other Dried Fruit. 
At present there is no duty on any other dried fruit, but whilst 
continuing to admit such Empire dried fruit free, His Majesty's 
Government would propose to impose a duty of 10s. 64. per cwt. on 
such foreign dried fruit (¢.g., apples, pears and peaches) as the 
Dominion representatives may consider of interest to their trade.