§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the feasibility of meeting, in part, the cost of the naval defence of the Empire by means of an Imperial Customs tariff, based on the lines laid down by the late Mr. Hofmeyer at the Colonial Conference, 1907, such a tariff to consist of a 2 per cent, duty levied, independently of the duties payable under existing tariffs, on all goods entering the Empire from foreign countries; what amount, approximately, would have been collected if such a tariff has been in force during the financial year ending 31st March, 1887, and what amount, approximately, would have been collected if such a tariff had been in force during the financial year ending 31st March, 1907; and whether, in view of the increase in our naval expenditure, he will consult with the Governments of the oversea dominions and ascertain their views as to the advisability of instituting such a tariff?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI do not think I should be justified in imposing on the Departments concerned the amount of labour which would be required to form an estimate of the kind asked for by the hon. Member, nor do I see my way to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.