§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Prime Minister if the information at his disposal endorses the calculation that the investments of the Mother Country in the British Empire exceed £1,500,000,000 sterling, of which about one-third is in Colonial and Indian Government securities, one-third in commercial and industrial enterprises, and one-third in corporation and other loans; and if he can inform the House what proposals the Government has brought, or is going to bring, before the Imperial Conference now sitting to advance the 1079 industrial development, internal and external, of the over-sea dominions of the British people, so as to secure an adequate return for this outlay of capital by co-operative societies of working men, limited liability companies, and private individuals.
SIR H. CAMPBELL BANNERMANThis is a rather large question, and I cannot say at the moment whether the hon. and gallant gentleman's estimate is correct. However that may be, there is of course no question as to the magnitude of the interests to which he refers. And though there are no definite proposals to be laid before the Conference by His Majesty's Government, the whole subject is engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government and of the Conference.
§ SIR H. VINCENTWill the right hon. Gentleman give the terms of the preference resolution agreed to by the Conference?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI have nothing to do with that. It has nothing to do with the Government.
§ MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether Colonial preference is advocated in the interest of those who have shares in Colonial enterprises?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANMy hon. friend had better address his questions to those who are in favour of Colonial preference.