HC Deb 25 May 1908 vol 189 cc768-9
MR. VILLIERS (Brighton)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the Sugar Convention of 1902 was ratified by Act of Parliament after it had been signed by His Majesty's representative; and, if so, why it is not considered necessary now to ratify the Additional Act of 1907 by an Act of Parliament.

MR. J. A. PEASE

After the Sugar Convention of March, 1902, had been ratified by all the participating States, a Bill was passed in the Imperial Parliament to give effect to the provisions of the Convention as regards this country. No such legislation was necessary in the case of the Additional Act of 1907 which, while imposing no further liabilities on His Majesty's Government, frees them from certain obligations which had existed under the Convention.

MR. VILLIERS

What line of defence would the hon. Gentleman recommend to the members of his Party who are endeavouring in the country to vindicate free trade now that the Government have relinquished the principles of free trade?

* MR. SPEAKER

The Government cannot be expected to supply arguments for its followers.