BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81918, 22 February 1907, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE DEBATE ON PREFERENCE. London, February 20. In the House of Commons, Mr Churchill (Under-Secretary for the Colonies), debating Mr Hill's amendment, declared that the Imperial Conference was a most important constitutional function, and it would be treated with every respect. He argued that it was impossible to give preference to the colonies without taxing bread, meat, and dairy produce. The Government was opposed to colonial preference politically, and equally on economic grounds. The taxes on food would arouse against the colonies a dangerous, terrible antagonism on the part of the Mother'land's workers .

The debate was adjourned. The Times sa(vs 'that .Mr ,Ram,say Maedonald's facts relating to foreigners outbidding for Australian raw material suggest a strong argument for Imperial preference to avert-the danger of Great Britain's supplies of raw material being intercepted. "'Differential treatment may give us, in tne event of export duty being imposed on Australian materials, an important advantage in the purchase of such materials as are not directly required for Australia's industries." * Mr Winston Churchill (Under-Secre-tary for the Colonies) declared Mr| Hilte' amendment marked an advance on Mr Balfour' letter to Mr ChamberLain on February 14th of last year, wherein he defined his position in regard to tariff reform, adding, "And Mr Balfour is sabout to upport the amendment, although it emanates from the most militant section of Tariff Reformers,"

During the debate Mr Hunt (Unionist) implored Mr Balfour to descend from heights) otf philosophy and; golf and explain the fiscal policy in language, 'ordinary persons could understand.

The Liberals roared with laughter. Mr Balfour, also the Radicals, cheered Mr Churchill's denunciation of preference. Beceiyed 21st, 11.32 p.m. London, February kl, Mr Hill's amendment was negatived by 853 to ÜB.