423
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
PLEC.O. 885
6
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
84
against Britain as foreign nations. You are a Free Trade country, but our home market makes a difference, our home manufactures-——
The Secretary of State.] Sir George, the proposal which was made the other day is not a proposal, as I understand it, which would cost you a
penny.
Sir George Turner.] But it was this proposal, Mr. Chamberlain.
The Secretary of State.] It amounted to neither more nor less than an expression of friendship to the mother country, more a sentimental expres- sion, as I have said all along, than a practical material consideration; you were not asked to take anything off your duties; you were only asked to make a preference by putting a little more on foreign products.
Sir George Turner.] What would our merchants charge us with then, in- creasing the price of imported articles. They would say: What are we to get in return from the mother country?
The Secretary of State.] I am not in a position to argue that question with you, because our positions are different on the subject of Free Trade, but suppose you persuaded people that that was a right policy, do you not see that one result will be undoubtedly that some people will urge that as long as we are being taxed by Victoria 30 per cent., we ought to impose 30 per cent. on her products, and give the traders of New South Wales, which do not tax us, free entry? I cannot argue that way because I am a Free Trader. I cannot argue that, but there are a great number of people on this side as well as on your side who would. If you put that before them as a reason why you will show no special sympathy with the mother country, I do think that it is quite conceivable that that opinion may gain strength, and we may also be urged to establish a preferential tariff.
Mr. Kingston.] I should think that would apply to foreign nations too.
Sir John Forrest.] Do you not think we might pass some resolution that we would consult our people and our Parliaments, and that such a resolution would be just as good as that one which was suggested in the first case?
The Secretary of State.] Oh, perfectly.
Sir John Forrest.] Instead of saying that we are in favour of anything, say that we will consult our Governments and our Parliaments in regard to the matter.
Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] We say we will use our influence.
Sir John Forrest.] That would be using our influence, consulting them.
Sir E, N. C. Braddon.] It would be saying the same thing in a different
way.
Sir George Turner.] I am perfectly prepared to say that we will bring it before our colleagues.
be a
Sir John Forrest.] I will be dealing with the tariff when I go back; it will good opportunity for consulting Parliament, and I would myself be willing to treat the mother country better than foreign nations, because, in doing that, I would be benefitting ourselves. This country is rich, and they might lend us more money.
Sir George Tarner.] That is not a good thing for you.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] The question is on the minds of our colleagues that they expect for the preference given in the abatement of some of the customs duties in favour of Great Britain that Great Britain will reciprocate by putting up foreign duties.
Mr. Kingston.] It is not that.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] If it is not that, what is it ?
85
Mr. Kingston.] She might undoubtedly reduce her duties on certain lines in favour of her Colonies.
Mr. Reid.] Wines.
COMMERCIAL
RELATIONS
Mr. Kingston.] Wines and spirits. It may be a very small matter, but it is a matter of very great importance to some; it would be a further step in the direction of Free Trade.
Mr. Seddon.] I am perfectly prepared to say that there should be talking about this.
The whole thing commences and finishes with: Should
we as a nation help each other?
Sir George Turner.] Help each other, yes.
Mr. Seddon.] Help out there. Well, I say, we can help, and I say that could be done as suggested by Mr. Chamberlain, or it could be done by reducing the Customs tariff; in all probability the course I should take would be to reduce the tariff on such articles in which there is competition between the mother country and the foreign nations, and give the reduction to the mother country.
Sir George Turner.] But do they manufacture those articles in general within
your colony ?
Mr. Seddon.] I beg your pardon, no.
Sir George Turner.] That makes all the difference.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] Suppose they do?
not manufactured in our
Mr. Seddon.] They are goods which are Colony.
The Earl of Selborne.] If I may suggest an argument which your remarks invited that you might use, suppose you wish to ?
Mr. Seddon.] Let me finish. While I hold those views I see a difference in passing a resolution when it would be demanded by Parliament the moment they got hold of and saw the view taken up by different Premiers that four Premiers were left out-it would be imagined that they were opposed to it, because they were left out. If, on the other hand, they were left "in, it would be held that they had committed their Colonies those who are named, and to that extent I say it is unwise to pass any resolution if you want the whole thing to be agreed that the Premiers here assembled are satisfied that it would be to the interest of the Empire that preference should be given to the mother country. That meets the sentiment, and I say that such a resolution as that can be framed, and we should be unanimous about it, and we could 'make a declaration.
Sir George Turner.] Personally, my own opinion is to give a preference, even if we do not get anything; but some of us do not go that length. If we are named, it puts us in a false position.
The Secretary of State.] I entirely agree; but would Mr. Seddon's proposal be accepted unanimously?
Mr. Kingston.] A suggestion to this effect would probably meet with no objection that the question of the extension of the trade relationships between the mother country and the Colonies will be brought under the notice of their colleagues by the Premiers.
Sir John Forrest.] With the view of improving the relations.
Mr. Reid.] With the view of considering-surely we can have "with the view"-with the view of considering the question of a distinction between British and foreign imports.
Sir George Turner.] With the view of increasing the traffic between the mother country and the Colonies ?
Mr. Reid.] With the view of increasing the trade.
L 3