§ 48. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister what is the present position of the Imperial Cabinet organisation which was created during the War; and whether there are at present any means of constant consultation between the British Cabinet and the representatives of the Dominions on matters of Imperial concern?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere have been no developments of the Imperial Cabinet organisation since the decision which was announced in the Press on the 19th August, 1918, to the effect that the Prime Ministers of the Dominions should have the right to communicate on matters of Cabinet importance direct with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom whenever they see fit to do so, and, further, that each Dominion should have the right to nominate a visiting or resident Minister in London to be a member of the Imperial Cabinet at meetings other than those attended by the Prime Ministers themselves.
The whole question will be raised at the Imperial Conference which it is proposed to hold next year to consider the re-adjustment of the constitutional relations 1887 of the component parts of the Empire. In accordance with the decision arrived at in the summer of 1918, communication is maintained between the Prime Minister and the Prime Ministers of the Dominions, and papers on matters of Imperial concern are forwarded weekly for the information of the Prime Ministers of the Dominions.
§ Mr. HURDMay I ask whether it has not been a fact that there is no Cabinet organisation in active and continuous working for the consideration of Imperial matters of mutual concern to us and to the Dominions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is a fact. The reason is that the Ministers of the Dominions have not thought suitable to have a representative.