HC Deb 21 July 1903 vol 125 c1309
MR. BLACK (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Colonies, whether, in view of the fact that it has heretofore been the usage for the self-governing colonies to bargain as to commercial treaties on equal terms with foreign nations and with the mother country without regard in the case of foreign nations to the fiscal policy of the mother country, the Government proposes to alter this usage.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The practice as to commercial arrangements between self-governing colonies and foreign countries is described in the despatch of my predecessor of 28th June, 1895, which was laid before Parliament on the 6th of July in that year.

MR. BLACK

Is there any proposal by the Government to change the usage?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

If there should be any such proposal it will be duly submitted for the consideration of Parliament.