§ MR. THEODORE TAYLOR (Lancashire, Radcliffe)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether ne is aware that negotiations are taking place with certain associated firms at Old Calabar in respect of the conferring of trade privileges in the Cross River district; whether his attention has been called to representations from the Liverpool and Manchester Chambers of Commerce upon the subject; and, if so, will he say what steps he will take to secure that such privileges, if granted will not
†See (4) Debates, cxxx., 158 constitute a monopoly of trade to the recipients.
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe Answers to the first and second Questions are in the affirmative. With regard to the third Question, I do not admit that the arrangement proposed would constitute a monopoly, but the matter is receiving further consideration, and I propose to communicate with the Chambers of Commerce again before coming to a final decision.