Mr. Lloyd-George, replying to Lord Percy's criticisms observed that though
the Opposition when in power had got the country into difficulties in all parts of the world, they met the Government with nothing but taunts and jeers when they were trying to get the country out of them. As regards the future, it was not desirable to announce a decision now which they could not possibly carry out until next September twelve months. He quoted figures, which were ineffectually challenged by Mr. Chamberlain as unfairly selected, to show that the Sugar Convention, the first great scheme of fiscal reform of the late Government, had benefited every foreigner in Europe, every colonial possession
except ours, and had actually reduced the production of our Colonies. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, at the conclusion of the debate, charged Mr. Chamberlain with playing his usual game. Having fastened a bad policy on the country, he now taunted the Government, who had not changed their opinions, with not immediately reversing it. The Motion and amendment were both withdrawn. We were always strongly opposed to the Sugar Convention, but cannot blame the Government for acting with prudence and deliberation.
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