§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is a fact that Treaties are in force between the United Kingdom and some foreign nations, precluding the exercise, even by self-governing Colonies, of the right, if so desired, to admit the productions of the Mother Country on more advantageous fiscal conditions than the goods of foreign nations; and, in such case, with what nations such Treaties exist, and when they were concluded; and, if Her Majesty's Government can take steps to terminate foreign engagements calculated to impede the commercial federation of the British Empire?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)There are such Treaties; but it would exceed the due limits of a reply to recount them and explain the differences between them. If my hon. and gallant Friend will move for a Return of them there will be no objection to lay it upon the Table; but, inasmuch as Commercial Treaties relate to a variety of subjects, it would not be desirable to terminate any of them without carefully considering what effect that step would have upon British commercial interests generally.