HC Deb 10 March 1910 vol 14 cc1608-9
Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, accepted the invitation of the United States to an International Conference at the Hague on the subject of international regulation of the traffic in opium and kindred drugs; and, if so, when would the Conference take place?

Sir E. GREY

The proposal is still under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when we shall know?

Sir E. GREY

I cannot tell, but I am in communication with the India Office.

Mr. REES

Does a settlement of this character impose any pecuniary penalties upon the United States, as it undoubtedly does upon the British Indian Government?

Sir E. GREY

I do not see that any settlement is referred to in the question.

Mr. REES

But there is a settlement in view, I presume?

Sir E. GREY

I cannot say what effect it will have.

Mr. MACMASTER

asked what is the present position with regard to the negotiations now proceeding between Canada and the United States on the subject of their tariff relations?

Sir E. GREY

After communication with His Majesty's Embassy, Professor Emery, Chairman of the United States Tariff Board, and Mr. Pepper, Commercial Adviser to the State Department, were delegated, in conjunction with the United States Consul-General at Ottawa, to discuss the tariff relations of Canada and the United States with the Dominion Government at that capital. I have not yet heard the result of what has passed.

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government contemplate opening any negotiations with the United States to mitigate the evil effect upon British labour of the United States' tariff, particularly upon the yacht building industry of the United Kingdom?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member ought to give notice of that question. It does not arise directly out of the question.