§ 53. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what answer has been returned to the communication from the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia protesting against the proposed abolition of Imperial Preference to that Dominion, and, in particular, as to the serious effect on Australian industry which will be occasioned by the abolition of the existing preferences on sugar, dried fruits, and wine?
§ Mr. PONSONBYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question by the right hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson) on the 15th instant.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that communications have appeared in the Press as to the nature of the telegram to the Prime Minister of this country, and does he not think the House of Commons have a right to know what reply has been sent to this communication.?
§ Mr. PONSONBYNo, Sir; I do not think that that alters in any way the sense of the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman.