§ 65. Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Prima Minister whether any steps have yet been taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Imperial Colonial Conference of 1911 that a line of steamers between Great Britain and Canada should be established on the basis of an annual subsidy from the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, and Newfoundland; whether he is aware that two Royal Commissions, one in 1846 and the other in 1884, strongly urged the equipment of a port on the West Coast of Ireland; that such a scheme has been approved by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and awaits only the approval of the British Government; and whether, in view of the international importance of the subject, he will without further delay make definite proposals to the Government of Canada?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)I have been asked to answer this question. I think the hon. Member will find that the Resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1911 in regard to Imperial shipping services was to the effect simply that Great Britain should be connected with Canada and Newfoundland (and with Australia and New Zealand) by the best mail service available; it did not refer to subsidies for such a service nor to. Ireland. No action has been taken upon it.
I am aware that proposals have been made for the establishment of a Transatlantic Terminal Port in Ireland, but I am not aware; of any recent authoritative recommendation in favour of such a project being embarked upon by His Majesty's Government. I may add that the establishment of an Imperial Investigation Board in pursuance of the Resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1918 is being proceeded with, and any question of developing Imperial shipping communications would fall to be dealt with by that body.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWhat is the good of holding Imperial Conferences if you take no notice of the Resolutions passed?