HC Deb 10 October 1912 vol 42 cc502-3
22. Mr. CROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether a chairman has been appointed to the Imperial Trade Commission in the place of Lord Inchcape?

The SECRETARY OF STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

The right hon. Arnold Morley was appointed on 22nd August to succeed Lord Inchcape as Chairman of the Royal Commission in question, and the appointment was immediately announced in the Press.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

When will the Committee begin its sittings?

Mr. HARCOURT

It is sitting.

Mr. CROFT

was the appointment made as a result of the right hon. Gentleman's determination to keep the Commission free from party and fiscal bias?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir.

Mr. CROFT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that four of the six representatives are known to be extreme Free Traders, and, in his opinion, is that a fair Commission?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am not aware of that.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what day the first sitting was held?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am not quite sure. I know that there was a sitting yesterday.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Yes. Yesterday was the date.