HC Deb 17 June 1912 vol 39 cc1303-4
30. Mr. AMERY

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he can state the result of the decision of the eighth Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire, now assembled, with regard to the resolution submitted by the Toronto Board of Trade asking the Congress to reaffirm its opinion in favour of preferential trade within the Empire?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I understand that a resolution on this subject has been passed by the Congress, but the resolution has not been communicated officially to the Board of Trade.

49. Mr. CROFT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the declaration of the members of the Chambers of Commerce of the Empire in favour of Imperial Preference; and what steps he intends to take in order to meet the views of those Chambers?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have just given to the hon. Member for South Birmingham, to which at present I have nothing to add.

Mr. CROFT

Was the Prime Minister correctly reported as saying that the conclusions at which the Chambers of Commerce of the Empire will arrive must have the greatest weight with those who are called upon to guide the various parts of the Empire?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, I said that, and I adhere to it.