§ 9. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies, during the 12 months preceding 1761 Ottawa, duties have been raised covering imports from the United Kingdom, and the class of goods thereby affected?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, customs duties occupy a pivotal position in Colonial finance, and the revenue necessary to balance the Budget depends largely on customs returns. In the 12 months preceding Ottawa customs duties were increased in the following Colonies: British Guiana, British Honduras, Cyprus, the Gambia, the Gold Coast, Hong Kong, Jamaica, certain of the Windward and Leeward Islands, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the Straits Settlements, Trinidad. In some cases the increase was only in the duties on such luxury articles as alcoholic liquors and tobacco, but in others a more general increase was necessary. Where a preference is in force the margin of preference has been increased proportionately to the increase in the rate of duty.
§ 10. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state, with reference to imperial preferences granted by Colonial Governments, in what instances such preference has been given, respectively, by lowering existing tariffs or by heightening existing tariffs against foreign countries?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe earliest preference granted by a non-self-governing Colony was granted in 1900. Preferential tariffs have been introduced in various Colonies at various dates since then and preferences so granted have been varied from time to time. It would obviously be impossible to examine all these alterations with the object of answering the hon. Member's question, but, broadly speaking, the choice between the two alternatives has depended on the revenue exigencies of the moment.
§ Mr. BERNAYSCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how this country is to judge the results of Ottawa if this very important information is not available?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think it will judge the results of Ottawa by the increase of trade which is obtained.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELIs it the case that a number of the Colonies have 1762 raised their tariffs against foreign importations as the outcome of the Ottawa Conference?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere have been some cases where a lower rate of duty prevailed in which an increased rate of preference has been given to this country by raising the duty against foreign countries, and I am perfectly prepared at any time and in any place to defend that action.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSHas not this form of preference been approved for over 30 years by all Governments?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir, that certainly is so—and not least by the right hon. Gentleman's Government.