HC Deb 15 May 1912 vol 38 cc1111-2
Mr. CROFT

asked if the date of the first meeting of the Imperial Commissioners has now been fixed?

Mr. HARCOURT

It is hoped that the Commission will meet soon after the arrival of the Australian member on 10th June.

Mr. CROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the possibility of adding a representative for the West Indies to the Imperial Trade Commission; and, if not, whether the Commission will hear witnesses from the West Indies in London in the event of its not being able to visit those islands?

Mr. HARCOURT

The resolution of the Conference under which the Commission has been appointed does not contemplate any representation of the West Indies. The Commission will decide what witnesses it will hear under the terms of reference.

Mr. CROFT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeling on the part of those who are interested in the trade of the West Indies that there should be some such consideration as I have indicated?

Mr. HARCOURT

The whole proceedings of the Commission are regulated by the decision of the Conference, which was a Conference of the self-governing Dominions.

Mr. CROFT

Considering that there are at the present time negotiations going on between the West Indies and other Dominions, surely the right hon. Gentleman does not say that the suggestion is not germane to the matter?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have already said that the Commission will decide what and whom they will hear.