HC Deb 11 June 1912 vol 39 cc688-9
47. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the nature of the negotiations Germany, through her Canadian representative, has recently made or is now making with the Canadian Government for preferential trading between Germany and Canada?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am not aware of any such negotiation.

48. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the speech of the Minister of Trade and Commerce for Canada, the Hon. G. E. Foster, at Montreal on 23rd May, when he stated that Canada would soon have a preferential tariff with the whole of the British Empire; and if the Canadian Government have yet approached His Majesty's Government on this matter?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir. I have read the speech, but no general proposal for a preferential tariff with the whole Empire has been made to His Majesty's Government.

54. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that as the result of the recent West Indies Conference at Ottawa the West Indies will divert£8,000,000 worth of trade annually into Canadian channels; and whether he will, as far as the West Indies are concerned as Crown Colonies, encourage such preferential trading?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am not aware on what basis the hon. Member's estimate is founded, but until the text of the agree- ment has been published, and the decision of the West Indian Legislatures in regard to it has been made known, I am not prepared to discuss its effects or my attitude towards it. The description of the West Indies generally by the hon. Member as Crown Colonies is inaccurate and likely to give offence.

55. Mr. HUNT

asked if the Government have stipulated that the trade advantages under the agreement for reciprocal preferential trading between Canada and the West Indies, signed on the 10th April, shall also be granted for goods sent from the United Kingdom to the West Indies, and also for goods sent from the United Kingdom to Canada?

Mr. HARCOURT

It has always been an accepted principle that any trade advantages granted by one Dominion or Colony to another shall be extended to the United Kingdom, and I have no reason to think that this principle was not fully recognised by the parties to the recent Conference at Ottawa.

Mr. HUNT

Does that apply to Canada and the West Indies?

Mr. HARCOURT

That is the effect of my answer.

Mr. HUNT

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason for saying Canada will agree to it?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have no reason to think that that principle was not fully recognised by both parties at the recent Conference.