§ 16. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will publish a statement showing the Crown Colonies that have not yet introduced a system of imperial preference and giving in each case the reason, whether legal or otherwise, which prevents preference being introduced by these Colonies?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe only Colonies where the system of Imperial preference is not already in force, or its 330 introduction under active consideration by the Government or Legislature, are those Colonies in East and West Africa which are debarred from granting preference by treaties and international conventions, and Malta.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn respect of those Colonies which are not in a position to give Imperial preference, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of taking such steps as are necessary to enable them to give such preferences?
Sir P. CUNLIFFEILISTERI have often stated in this House the position of the Colonial Office and the Colonial Governments in this matter. It is this: If it is considered by the British Government to be in the interests of British trade that any convention should be denounced, they would readily accept any such decision.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the alarm felt in Lancashire with regard to the falling-away of trade owing to the lack of sufficient preferences?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROf course, as long as these conventions are there, there can be no preferences, but I think that my hon. Friend knows that this matter is engaging the close consideration of the President of the Board of Trade and indeed of myself.