HC Deb 15 February 1911 vol 21 cc1034-5
Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the Resolution of the Commonwealth of Australia in reference to the Declaration of London which has been communicated to His Majesty's Government. Also upon what date or dates the Parliamentary Papers Cd. 4,554 and Cd. 5,418, relating to the Declaration of London, were sent by His Majesty's Government to the Dominion Governments; and whether the omission to invite the views of such Governments on those Papers was accidental or deliberate on the part of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. HARCOURT

The Resolution of the Commonwealth of Australia in reference to the Declaration of London will be published this week, with other Resolutions, for the Imperial Conference. The Parliamentary Papers Cd. 4,554 and Cd. 5,418 were issued on 22nd March, 1909, and 5th December, 1910, and sent to the Dominion Governments on 2nd April, 1909, and 9th December, 1910, respectively. It has not been the custom to invite criticism on these matters, though His Majesty's Government is always prepared to receive it.

Mr. BUTCHER

May I ask whether no expression of opinion has reached the Government from any of the Dominion Parliaments except that by the Commonwealth of Australia?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think not, but I should not like to pledge myself without notice.