§ Mr. PETOasked the Secretary for the Colonies (1) the total value of imports into Canada from the West India Colonies of Trinidad, Tobago, British Guiana, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominica, and Montserrat in 1890, 1899, and 1911; and in what year Canada first gave a preference in her market to imports from the British West Indies; (2) the total value of imports into Canada from the British West Indies and British Guiana in 1890, 1899, and 1911; and what proportion of these imports consists of sugar, and the value of the sugar imports?
Mr. HARCOURTThe total values of the imports from the British West Indies into Canada for the years 1889–90, 1898–9, and 1910–11 were £1,429,588, £954,471, and £10,262,583, respectively. The values of the sugar included in these totals were £423,514, £326,082, and £9,858,958—that is to say, 30 per cent., 34 per cent. and 96 per cent, of the totals. A preference to imports from the British West Indies was first given by Canada in 1898. The figures for the individual Colonies mentioned are not in all cases distinguishable in the Returns, and such figures as are available could not conveniently be given within the compass of a reply. I shall be happy to place the relevant Reports and Blue Books at the hon. Member's disposal.