A.—s

435

CHAIRMAN : As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has arrived we had better finish the first resolution. Mr. Deakin wishes to put it: " That every " effort should be made to stimulate and facilitate mutual commercial inter- " course between the several ports of the Empire by the development of all " their means of inter-communication, subject to the liberty of each self- " governing Dominion to select the most suitable methods for giving effect " to it." Mr. ASQUITH : Is this a proposition as a substitute for the whole resolution ? I certainly prefer the resolution as it stands very much. I think it is much wider in its scope and clearer in its language. I think the fresh one rather limits it. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : The development of all means of communication is a most important limitation. ' There are other means of practical commercial intercourse in the Empire. Mr. ASQUITH : I agree with the words as previously proposed. • Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : This other resolution of Mr. Deakin's does not go so far as I am prepared to go. Mr. DEAKIN : I will put in the word " especially." Mr. ASQUITH : " Every effort should be made by co-operation." Mr. DEAKIN : They are right, but it is the preliminary part I object to. It seems too vague. Dr. JAMESON : It seems to me emphasising a truism which we have acknowledged to begin with, unless it means something different. If it only means what is on the face of it this original resolution of the Government is a mere truism which we all acknowledged before we began the Conference, and all through the Conference. We have always emphasised it. Why do it again unless there is some other reason for it ? Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Mr. Deakin's resolution affirms the resolution as to liberty of action. He does not object to that. • Mr. DEAKIN : I put it in because you wished it, not that I think it necessary. Dr. JAMESON : This one of Mr. Deakin's is a separate subject. We have done with Tariff Reform or preference and now deal with other methods of commercial intercourse, whereas this other resolution implies a negative of what we have been doing this week so far as the Colonies are concerned. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : You have affirmed your view of the best method. We have affirmed ours. Now, upon the basis of that mutual understanding of each others' positions we agree upon this. Dr. JAMESON : Upon what—to have liberty which we have all agreed upon long ago ? Why put it in ? Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : No. Sir Joseph Ward's resolution carries it a good deal further than that. I think these are the important words : ." That

Twelfth Day. 7'May 1907.

Preferkntial Trade.