HC Deb 03 February 1891 vol 349 cc1622-3
MR. JAMES LOWTHER

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the strong expressions of opinion which have recently emanated from high authorities in various portions of our Colonial Empire, in favour of the establishment of preferential fiscal arrangements between the Mother Country and the Colonies; and whether Her Majesty's Government are prepared to afford an opportunity for these urgent questions being considered without delay at a Conference with the representatives of the self-governing Colonies?

BARON H. DE WORMS

The question is under the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government, and I am unable at present to give any more definite reply.

MR. J. LOWTHER

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the extreme urgency of the question?

BARON H. DE WORMS

Yes, I am aware of it, and for that reason I have stated that the question is being carefully considered.