HC Deb 07 May 1908 vol 188 cc416-7
SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any constitutional considerations which would prevent the West Indian Colonies from making preferential commercial arrangements with Canada; and whether he cam give any information concerning the progress of the negotiations between the West Indies and the Dominion.

COLONEL SEELY

In reply to the, first part of the hon. Member's question. I am not aware of any constitutional considerations, as such, but I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Govan on the 5th instant. As to the second part, no negotiations are at present in progress.

MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Govan)

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the state of public opinion in the West Indies?

COLONEL SEELY

I am afraid I cannot.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

Are any negotiations in progress?

COLONEL SEELY

Not at present.