Captain MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, owing to a Permanent Under-Secretary of State not having yet been appointed, important matters at the Colonial Office are left unattended to and the efficiency of the staff is thereby impaired; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
Mr. HARCOURTI have seen the statements in question, which are for the most part, inaccurate. I have refrained from making any appointment to the vacant post of Permanent Under-Secretary, pending the meeting of the Imperial Conference, as important questions affecting the future conduct of business relating to the Dominions will come before the Conference, and I consider that it would be discourteous for me to take any step which might seem to prejudge the result of that discussion. This decision is naturally attended by some inconvenience to myself, 547 but it is wholly untrue to assert that important matters remain unattended to, or that the efficiency of the staff is detrimentally affected. I am glad to think that I shall be able to avail myself of Sir Francis Hop wood's experience and knowledge at the Conference, as, with the Chancellor of the Exchequer's and his own concurrence, I intend to reappoint him, during its session, to his former post—of course, in an honorary and unpaid capacity.