§ Mr. BONAR LAWMay I ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: When the Government will afford the House a suitable opportunity of expressing its deep appreciation of the public spirit and patriotism displayed by His Majesty's Dominions Overseas in contributing towards the efficiency of Imperial defence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government fully recognise that it is both the desire and the duty of the House of Commons to give formal and authoritative expression to the universal feeling of warm appreciation and heartfelt gratitude which has been aroused in the Mother Country by the splendid patriotism and liberality displayed in this matter by their fellow subjects in the Overseas Dominions and Possessions. The Government, however, think, and the House will probably agree, that it would be appropriate, and, indeed, only respectful to the Canadian people, to defer taking such action until the proposals introduced by Mr. Borden have come under consideration and discussion in the Canadian Parliament.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf I may say so, I fully recognise the force of the reason for delay which the right hon. Gentleman has given. I am sure the expression of gratitude and appreciation which he has made in this House will be highly appreciated in the Colonies.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether the Prime Minister intends to take any steps to ascertain how far the labour organisations of Canada are in agreement with this offer on the part of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is entirely a matter for the Canadian Parliament.