HC Deb 10 May 1933 vol 277 c1512
16. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state why, when increased preferences were given in the West Indies on rubber footwear and silk and cotton hose on the application of the Canadian Government, no increased preference was given on textiles manufactured in Great Britain?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

The tariff changes made in the West Indian Colonies to which my hon. Friend alludes were made in pursuance of the Ottawa Agreements and in return for additional benefits received by the Colonies in the Dominion markets. All the Colonial preferences granted as the result of the Ottawa Agreements with the Dominions apply to the United Kingdom as well.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the serious damage done to British imports into the West Indies by Japanese competition?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That is a separate question which has been dealt with before.