§ Mr. OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister, whether he could see his way to issuing invitations to the leaders of the Opposition, Labour, and Nationalist parties, respectively, to be present at the initial ceremony of the Imperial Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Conference is by its constitution a conference between Governments, and I do not see my way to issue such invitations, which would be contrary to precedent.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that in 1887, on the occasion of the first Imperial Conference, then called the Colonial Conference, invitations were issued to certain people interested in Colonial affairs to attend the opening of the Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo; I was not aware of that.
§ Mr. OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONMay I ask whether His Majesty the King contemplates opening the Imperial Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question certainly ought not to be put without notice.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in considering any invitations to any Conference, in addition to inviting leaders of the Opposi- 29 tion, Labour, and Nationalist parties, he will bear in mind the Leader of the Independent party, the only united party in the House?
§ Mr. OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Press would be admitted to all discussions of the Imperial Conference which are not of a confidential nature?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is a question for the Conference to settle.
§ Mr. HAMERSLEYasked when the secretarial staff, created by resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1907, was actually formed; the names of those forming the staff; the duties assigned to the staff; on what subjects the staff has obtained information for the use of the Imperial Conference to be held in May next; and whether such information will be submitted to this House?
§ Colonel SEELYThe scheme for the secretarial staff set forth in Lord Elgin's despatch of 21st September, published as Cd. 3,795, was brought into effect on 1st December, 1907. The Secretary to the Conference, Mr. H. W. Just, was then appointed, and with him are associated Mr. W. A. Robinson and Mr. A. B. Keith as senior assistant secretary and junior assistant secretary respectively. The duties assigned to the staff are in accordance with the first Resolution of the Conference of 1907. The subjects on which the staff has obtained, and is obtaining information may be seen on reference to the correspondence published in Cd. 5,273 and to the Agenda for the Conference printed in Cd. 5,513. The information which is in process of being obtained and transmitted to members of the Conference in regard to the subjects and resolutions recently communicated by the Dominion Governments may be expected, so far as it is not of a confidential character, to be laid before Parliament in a complete form, after it has been laid before and considered by the members of the Conference.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWill the secretarial staff include any official with a special knowledge of emigration matters?
§ Colonel SEELYThere is no member of the staff at present specially charged with that matter?
§ Mr. HAMERSLEYHave the staff any duties other than those mentioned?
§ Colonel SEELYYes. Of course the work laid on them is decided by the Imperial Conference.
§ Colonel SEELYNo, quite the contrary is the case.