§ 39. Sir J. HASLAMasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that only those parts of the Empire which have put, or propose to put, into operation the policy agreed upon at Ottawa shall have the benefits of Imperial preference within these islands?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The general policy underlying the Ottawa Agreements involved a recognition that benefits could not be claimed without a reasonable return, unless countries are precluded from granting preference. That policy will continue to govern our action, but I would rather not pledge myself as to methods of applying it.
§ Sir J. HASLAMWill the Prime Minister draw the attention of the delinquent States or State to the intolerable situation and say that it cannot possibly continue? I think the right hon. Gentleman knows the Colony to which I refer.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend will communicate with the Board 992 of Trade, he will find how the matter stands.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many Dominions or Colonies have negotiated voluntary agreements outside the settled terms of the Ottawa Agreements?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot carry that in my head.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate to the Government of Ceylon the answer which he has given?
§ Sir P. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Dominions have taken away part of our preference by artificially depreciating the exchange—more than robbing this country of any preference?