49. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the present position with regard to the suggested appointment of a Canadian representative at Washington?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the appointment is made it will be the beginning of a far-reaching constitutional change and will he not therefore take the House of Commons into his confidence in regard to it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am quite aware of all the consequences, but this is not a new matter. There has been throughout the War a Canadian representative at Washington.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Canadian representative at Washington was not a representative in the sense proposed according to the announcement made in the Dominion House of Commons?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not seen the exact words, but the subject was discussed with the Canadian Prime Minister, and my hon. Friend may, I am sure, feel certain that it will not affect the relations of Canada and the United Kingdom.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman take this House into his confidence before the- step is actually taken, so that this House may know what sort of a step is going to be taken?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not quite follow. One of two things must happen. Either we refuse to allow Canada to do what they want, or we do not. I do not see how submitting the matter to the House of Commons can alter that.