HC Deb 29 September 1915 vol 74 cc834-5
13. Sir J. D. REES

asked whether any decision has been arrived at in regard to the question of the representation of India at the next Imperial Conference; and, if so, whether he can now inform the House of the nature of such representation as is contemplated?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No decision on this very important subject has yet been taken by His Majesty's Government nor can any decision be taken without consultation with the Governments of the Dominions. But the Viceroy was authorised by me on behalf of His Majesty's Government to inform his Legislative Council when accepting the Besolution that such an expression of Indian opinion as was embodied in the Resolution unanimously carried by them last week would receive the most careful consideration by His Majesty's Government. When full accounts of the debate are available I do not doubt that they will be read with equal interest and sympathy in all parts of His Majesty's Dominions, but the constitution of the Imperial Conference is at present fixed by the resolution of the Conference itself and it can only be altered with the consent of the Governments represented therein.