HC Deb 04 April 1911 vol 23 cc1971-2
Mr. REMNANT

asked whether any request was communicated to the Government of the United States, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, for the extension to the United Kingdom, or to other parts of the Empire, of the reduced duties on Canadian goods included in the reciprocity agreement; and if so, what reply was made to this request?

Sir E. GREY

The point could not have been raised with the Government of the United States until the negotiations with Canadian Ministers about Canadian duties were concluded, and their result known. I am not at present in a position to state what steps it may be necessary or desirable for His Majesty's Government to take in the matter.

Mr. REMNANT

Is it not a fact that the terms have already been agreed to and submitted to the two Governments?

Sir E. GREY

Yes, the result is known, but there are complicated points involved in the question of the most-favoured-nation treatment which are now under examination.

Mr. REMNANT

In the event of these complicated points not being settled may I ask whether the reciprocal agreement is likely to be off?

Sir E. GREY

No, Sir. They do not affect the reciprocal agreement. They are points which are under consideration from our point of view and not from the point of view of the United States and the Canadian Governments.

Mr. REMNANT

I am sorry to press the right hon. Gentleman, but this question is so important to British trade. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."] Surely this is a matter which does concern British traders. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether these matters which so seriously affect British traders ought not to be considered and laid before those two Governments?

Sir E. GREY

It is not a case for the Canadian Government at all, but what steps we should take ourselves with regard to the United States Government. There are complicated points involved in that which are under examination, and it is precisely because the question is important that I am not in a position to make any special statement.

Mr. REMNANT

Have any steps been taken?