HC Deb 18 March 1907 vol 171 cc474-5
MR. EVELYN CECIL (Aston Manor)

I beg to ask the President of the Board †See (4) Debates, clxx., 976. of Trade whether a Navigation Conference between the Colonies is to be held preliminary to the Colonial Conference; whether the power of the Colonies with reference to the regulation of coasting trade will then be discussed; and whether Canada has been invited to take part in that discussion.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

The Navigation Conference to be held preliminary to the Colonial Conference is the Conference between representatives of the Imperial Government and of Australia and New Zealand arising out of certain legislation and legislative proposals with reference, among other matters, to the regulation of the coasting trade of those Colonies. It has not been thought necessary to invite Canada, or any other Colony, to this preliminary Conference, as it will limit its consideration to matters affecting Australia and New Zealand.

MR. EVELYN CECIL

Considering the large Canadian interests involved will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of sending an invitation to Canada?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

That Question should be addressed to the Colonial Office.