HC Deb 06 April 1911 vol 23 cc2397-8
EARL of RONALDSHAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the question of perpetual leases would be dealt with in the new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty, or in a separate agreement?

Sir E. GREY

The question of perpetual leases will be dealt with in a separate agreement.

EARL of RONALDSHAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if a new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty has been signed by His Majesty's Government?

Sir E. GREY

The answer is in the affirmative.

EARL of RONALDSHAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if British India and certain other Colonies and Dependencies would be excluded from the operation of the new Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty, and, if so, for what reason?

Sir E. GREY

I would refer the hon. Member to Article 26 of the new Anglo-Japanese Treaty, which has just been issued.

EARL of RONALDSHAY

If they do not adhere to the treaty will there be a statutory tariff with Japan, or will they, under the operation of the most-favoured-nation clause, secure the same advantages, so far as the tariff is concerned, as this country does?

Sir E. GREY

I must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has my right hon. Friend any reason to believe that the Colonies would submit to any commercial treaties imposed upon them by the Imperial Government, or would submit to the commercial terms which are involved in this treaty for the Home Government?

Sir E. GREY

I think if the hon. Member will refer to Article 26 he will see that it provides ample liberty. I do not think the suggestion in the question arises now.