MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has 589 any official information to the effect that the Canadian Government, whose concession of a preference of 33¼ per cent. to British goods entering the Dominion has so far met with no corresponding action on the part of His Majesty's Government, is negotiating with the French Republic for the establishment of a subsidised steamship service between Canadian and French ports.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I have no official information to the effect stated, but a direct line of steamers, subsidised by the Canadian Government at the rate of £10,000 per annum, ran between France and Canada during part of last year.
MR. JAMES LOWTHERHas the right hon. Gentleman any information of negotiations between the Dominion of Canada and any other foreign Power?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.