§ Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that if the proposed reciprocity arrangement between the United Sates and Canada was agreed to it would reduce the trade advantages now given by Canada to the United Kingdom, he proposed to take steps to prevent similar injury to our trade with the other self-governing Colonies which now give us a preferential tariff?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HUNTAre we to understand from the reply that no steps will be taken to prevent our trade being excluded from our own Imperial markets?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot express an opinion on that subject now.
§ Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that he admitted the advantage of the preference given by Canada, and of the fact that President Taft offered Canada absolute free exchange for all products with the United States, and that he offered it with the object of preventing a system of preferential trade within the British Empire, he would bring this matter up for discussion at the coming Imperial Conference, and reconsider his opposition to any form of Imperial preference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HUNTAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will make no effort to establish reciprocity with the rest of the Empire in order to prevent our trade with our greatest dominion being taken away by the Americans? Is there no answer?