HC Deb 05 May 1908 vol 188 cc45-6
MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Govan)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can indicate generally the restrictions and rights of the Crown Colonies as regards the establishment of preferential trade relations with other portions of His Majesty's Dominions.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY, Liverpool, Abercromby)

I am afraid that it is impossible to make a statement upon such a subject in reply to a Question couched in general terms, but I may say that fiscal like all other questions arising in Crown Colonies are subject to the ultimate decision of the Secretary of State.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

Is it the right of the West Indian Colonies to make a preferential arrangement with Canada?

COLONEL SEELY

I am afraid that is a hypothetical Question which I cannot answer.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

Oh, no, it is not hypothetical.