HC Deb 22 June 1903 vol 124 cc83-5
MR. BUCHANAN

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the proceedings of the Colonial Conference 1902, or in any other Papers presented to Parliament, there is any statement of the views of the British Government or the Canadian Government on the conduct of Germany in placing Canada on the general tariff.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

There is no such statement in any Papers which have been presented to Parliament. A general reference to the matter will be found on page 39 of the Colonial Conference Blue-book Cd. 1299 of 1902.

MR. BUCHANAN

Was it not a matter of special complaint at the Colonial Conference?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I would not say that. It was not specially discussed by the Conference.

MR. BUCHANAN

The right hon. Gentleman himself did not allude to it in his speech to the Conference?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The report of my speech is before the House.

MR. LAMBERT

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if any correspondence has ensued between the British and German Governments relating to the higher duties levied on Canadian products; if so, will he lay it upon the Table; if not, is it the intention of the Government to make effective protest against the action of the German Government.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The correspondence on this subject will be very shortly laid on the Table. I think, perhaps, the hon. Gentleman had better wait till he sees the correspondence before putting a Question as to its character.

MR. LAMBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Gentleman had better wait and see the correspondence.

MR. BLACK

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken or is taking to induce Germany to cease differentiation against Canada other than inviting discussion in this country upon retaliation duties.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The Question should be addressed to the Foreign Office, but I am not aware of any effective steps that can be taken under our present fiscal system.

MR. BLACK

May I ask whether the attention of Germany has been called to the hospitality which she enjoys from us at our coaling stations?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

That is not a Question which ought to be addressed to me.