§ 114. Sir R. COOPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies it he has any official information showing that the present method of granting licences for imports is penalising the trade of Canada and favouring that of the United States, and that Canadian steamers are mainly carrying imports to Britain from the United States; and, if so, whether he will say what steps he has taken to secure fair treatment for Canadian trade?
§ Mr. MACMASTERBefore the hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask whether these restrictions on Canadian trade have been removed?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy hon. and gallant Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made last Friday to the effect that all restrictions upon the import of Colonial goods are now being removed. I should like to make it clear that this concession is confined to goods which are the produce or manufacture of His Majesty's Dominions.
§ 18. Mr. HURDasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement as to the unintended differentiation against overseas, and especially Canadian, trade under the operation of import licences, by which these Dominions are penalised because of their partnership with us in the War?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ecclesall on 7th instant. I should like to make it clear that this concession is confined to goods which are the produce or manufacture of His Majesty's Dominion.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir; but they will be granted in a very short time.