§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Prime Minister if his attention had been called to the statement made by Sir Joseph Ward in favour of the creation of an Imperial House of Representatives; and if he will now give the House an early opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have seen in the Press what purported to be a summarised report of some remarks of Sir J. Ward on this subject. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSWill the right hon. Gentleman agree to nominate a small Committee? There are Members in every party, I believe, who have the question at heart and would like to have an opportunity of stating their views in order that they may be laid before the Imperial Conference.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member should give notice of the question.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs it not the fact that in the same speech Sir Joseph Ward expressed himself in favour of Home Rule?
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growth of public opinion in our Dominions in favour of Imperial representation in Imperial affairs, he will take some steps for the collection of any information which may be obtainable in this country which would be of assistance to him when discussing this question at the forthcoming Imperial Conference?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)His Majesty's Government are already making such preparations for the Conference discussions as appear to them necessary in the exercise of their responsibility.
§ Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs there any opportunity to submit suggestions with regard to questions which may be placed before the Imperial Conference in reference to representations in Imperial affairs?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI shall be happy to receive any suggestion which the hon. Member likes to make.
§ Mr. MARTINIs it true that there have been expressions of public opinion in our Dominions in favour of Imperial representation?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI do not think it wise to discuss that question at Question Time.