HC Deb 04 February 1908 vol 183 cc709-10
MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that the Governments of Prance and Belgium have agreed to publish statistics of their direct trade with Ireland; and can he say whether any, and, if so, what other Foreign States with whom Ireland has trade relations have agreed to the representations made to them on this subject.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the Question, the Governments of the following countries have consented to classify Irish goods separately from those of Great Britain—

Argentina. Mexico.
Belgium. Netherlands
Boliva. Norway.
Bulgaria. Persia.
Chile. Peru.
Colombia. Russia.
Ecuador. Spain.
Egypt. Sweden.
France. Siam.
Guatemala. Venezuela.
MR. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Govan)

asked if the request that this differentiation should be made emanated from the Government of the United Kingdom.

SIR EDWARD GREY

Yes, we asked for it to be done.

MR. BOLAND

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that France and Belgium now publish in their official reports statistics of their direct trade with Ireland, he will now make representations to Canada and Australia on this subject with a view to enable Ireland to learn the exact amount of her trade with these Colonies.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N.W.

This suggestion was made to the Canadian Government last year but that Government reported that it was not practicable to separate the exports of Irish produce from those of Great Britain in their trade returns. The Australian Government will now be asked whether they can adopt the suggestion.