HC Deb 24 February 1932 vol 262 cc371-2
28. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the nature of the replies received from Colonies and Dependencies in response to the cabled message addressed to them following upon the adoption of the Financial Resolutions to the Import Duties Bill by this House?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Members for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) and Stockport (Mr. Hammersley) on the 10th and 17th instant, of which I am sending him copies. I should add that the Governor of Ceylon has informed me that Ministers intend to propose a resolution in the State Council in favour of the principle of reciprocal preference. I have also received telegrams from the Governor of the Seychelles and the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific intimating that they hope to submit proposals for the introduction of preferential tariffs in areas under their jurisdiction where preference has not hitherto been granted.

Mr. HANNON

Following that very satisfactory reply, can my right hon. Friend say that the gesture made regarding the future relations with Colonial Empire has been general satisfaction?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

universally.