Another aspect of Unionist fiscal policy was to try to
secure for British workmen the largest amount of preference with the markets of the overseas dominions. But this could be done only by means of food duties, and therefore the Unionist Party adhered to the principle of such duties. Preference through food duties had been advocated for nine years by the Unionist Party as a step towards Imperial unity. "If there is any sincerity in political life at all," said Mr. Bonar Law, " this is not the time, and, at all events, I am not the man to haul down that flag." His scheme for introducing Preference was as follows : If the Unionist Party were returned to power they would call a Conference of the Colonies to consider the whole subject of Preferential Trade. The question whether or not food duties should be imposed would not arise till the negotiations were concluded.
