§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the change of Government in the Dominion of Canada, he will delay proceeding with the alteration of the existing foreign trade treaties until the Dominion Government have had the opportunity of expressing its opinion on the subject?
§ Sir E. GREYAs I have already stated, the only alteration contemplated in our existing commercial treaties is the insertion in those of them which do not contain such a provision of an Article enabling the self-governing Dominions to withdraw from them separately without impairing them in respect of the rest of the Empire. This right, if secured, will be exercised or not at the discretion of the Government of each Dominion. There has therefore been no occasion for consulting the new Canadian Government on the question.
§ Mr. CROFTIs it not a fact that the treaties as a whole will have to be denounced in order to bring about that arrangement?
§ Sir E. GREYNo; the whole object of the negotiations we are now beginning is to ascertain whether the alteration in the existing treaties cannot be made without denouncing them.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILECan the right hon. Gentleman report any success so far in the case of any one of the countries?
§ Sir E. GREYI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the issues involved, he has taken the opportunity of ascertaining the views of the Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom before altering or denouncing the existing trade treaties with foreign countries?
§ Sir E. GREYAs I have just explained, the only alteration contemplated in our commercial treaties is one which affects the self-governing Dominions alone. There was therefore no object in consulting the Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom. There is no question at present of denouncing any commercial treaty.
§ Mr. CROFTHas the right hon. Gentleman yet opened the negotiations promised at the Imperial Conference?
§ Sir E. GREYYes, negotiations have been opened up; but I must ask for notice of the question, so as to reply accurately.