§ MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has been arrived at in the matter of holding an Imperial Conference, during the visit of the Colonial Premiers to London, for the 978 discussion and determination of questions of common Colonial concern; and, if so, whether he can give a general indication of the subjects to be discussed?
§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)also asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he could now state in outline his scheme, proposed some time ago, for a conference on matters of mutual and Imperial interest between the Premiers of the several self-governing colonies who would visit England in connection with the celebration of the 60th year of Her Majesty's reign?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI will say in answer to both hon. Gentlemen that there is no question of holding what is called an Imperial Conference, but, of course, if the Premiers come, the Government will take the opportunity of discussing with them any matters of common interest which any of them may desire to raise. I may further say that up to the present time I have not received replies from five of the colonies out of the 11. As soon as I receive the whole of the replies I propose to lay them on the Table, with my own letter of invitation, and I think until I am able to do that I should be glad if all other questions would be postponed. ["Hear, hear!"]