A.—s

293

CHAIRMAN : Only that it falls to the Board of Trade rather than to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to deal with. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I mean so far as the discussion is concerned. Mr. DEAKIN : It is undoubtedly bound up with the discussion of the whole issue, but it was suggested by the Chairman that it might be as well to deal with the purely fiscal question first, and then take the argument as to the treaties. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : But it seems to me it could not be separated. I understood we were to hear Mr. Asquith first, and then Mr. Lloyd George. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : It is purely the Australian proposal with regard to British ships and white labour that interferes with treaties, but I rather gathered from Mr. Deakin's speech that he did not consider that an essential part of his proposals. Mr. DEAKIN : Not to that particular proposal, but I regard it as important to have our relation to all treaties determined, and wish to submit the considerations which have led my colleague, the Attorney-General, to contend that we are not at present bound by any of the treaties referred to. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : That is a very serious proposition. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : It is difficult to establish, but at the same time there is no question that it is of more importance to hear than to hear the condition of the treaties. 4 Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : I do not think it interferes at all with Canada, but it does interfere with the Australian proposals very seriously. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : But it is germane to the whole question, and we are discussing it now. Ido not know where such proposals would land us. Mr. DEAKIN : But it is not necessary to intermingle the argument about treaties with that upon fiscal proposals. The intention was to separate the arguments, and leave Treaty powers last. Mr. ASQUITH : I should hope we might conclude what you call the general fiscal argument by lunch time to-morrow. CHAIRMAN : And then go on with the rest in the afternoon. Mr. ASQUITH : Sir William Lyne wishes to say something. Mr. DEAKIN : He will look at what I have said, so as not to repeat anything.

Ninth Day. 1 May M>7.

Preferential Trade.