Tariff Reform

Tarrif Reform- Britain needed to respond to overseas threats, foreign policy out into play to avoid isolation. Britain allowed cheap food and raw materials to enter British overseas industry. European industry grew- British industry faced more barriers on exports, other countries protected their own industries by import duties.

 Consciousness in Britain that it was lagging behind newer technologies e.g Germany and USA. Growing pressure for Britain to protect its own industries. Some believed Britain should rely more on the empire and bind itself to overseas possessions by tariff agreements that gave preference to colonial imports.- coincided with fear of German naval expansion and desire to protect goods made in Germany.

Colonial conference 1902- asked by Canada to respond to…