HC Deb 16 March 1911 vol 22 cc2426-7
Mr. CAMPION

asked whether any communications took place with His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States between the date of the postponement of the conference on trade reciprocity between Canada and the United States in May, 1910, and the assembly of the conference in January, 1911; and whether during these eight months any communication passed between him and the Ambassador with regard to the possible effect on British interests of a reciprocal trade arrangement, or were any steps taken to safeguard those interests?

Sir E. GREY

No communications took place. There was nothing for Mr. Bryce to report, and it would have been undesirable to send separate instructions to him on matters which were within the competence of the Canadian Ministers.

Mr. REMNANT

In the view of the right hon. Gentleman, are we more likely to get advantages under the reciprocity arrangement by waiting until it is actually ratified or during the time the negotiations are taking place; and, if so, does he think the steps he has taken are conducive to safeguarding the interests of British trade?

Sir E. GREY

I think the steps which were taken were the best. It would have been very undesirable to interfere with the Canadian Ministers in matters which were within their own competence.

Mr. REMNANT

Does he consider it is interference merely to lay our side of the trade question before the negotiators?

Sir E. GREY

The question as to how British interests would be affected was dealt with in the papers laid before the House, and brought from time to time to the notice of the Canadian Ministers and was sympathetically received by them.

Mr. REMNANT

I ask the indulgence of the House for a moment. Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the sympathy shown so far warrants us in anticipating any advantage to the British trader under the present arranegment or suggested arrangement?

Sir E. GREY

I do not quite understand the bearing of the hon. Member's question. Canada wished to make changes in her tariffs, changes which it was within her own power to make. I do not see how we could have done otherwise than to discuss with the Canadian Ministers how British interests might be effected and that was done.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

asked whether, in the information which has been from time to time supplied to the Government by His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Canada since the negotiations began which led to the signing of the provisional trade agreement between Canada and the United States of America, there has been any reference to the effect that agreement, if ratified by the Legislatures of the Dominion and the United States, will have on British trade; and, if so, whether such information will be laid upon the Table of this House?

Mr. BUXTON

I am afraid that I cannot usefully add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on Monday last. There is no information of a nature which could properly be laid upon the Table.