HC Deb 27 July 1922 vol 157 cc677-9
30. Mr. PERCY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the vote of the House upon the Canadian cattle embargo, the Government will take immediate steps to remove such embargo?

33. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the acceptance by this House of the Motion for the removal of the cattle embargo against Canada and in order to promote good feeling between ourselves and the Canadian people, he will intimate to the Canadian Prime Minister that His Majesty's Government desires to enter into personal conference with Canadian Ministers so as to devise arrangements regarding the cattle embargo and other outstanding commercial questions which will conduce to the best interests of both countries and encourage a spirit of mutual helpfulness; and whether he is aware that the Honourable Mr. Robb, Canadian Minister of Trade and Commerce, is now on his way to this country upon a Canadian official business visit?

34. Lieut.-Colonel MORDEN

asked the Prime Minister what steps he proposed to take to put into effect the decision of the House on the removal of the cattle embargo?

37. Mr. WILLIAM SHAW

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill during the Autumn Session to remove the embargo on Canadian cattle, and to carry out the expressed wish of the House of Commons?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government accept the decision taken by the House of Commons on Monday last as a Mandate to deal at the earliest possible convenience with the problem on the lines of the Resolution adopted by the House. His Majesty's Government, therefore, hope to take the decisions reached by this House and the House of Lords into consideration at a very early date, and to decide what action they require. Legislation would, of course, be required to give effect to the change of policy which the House approved.

Mr. PERCY

Will the right hon. Gentleman he able to make a definite statement as to the intentions of the Government before the House rises?

Mr. HURD

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Is it not desirable to enter into personal conference with Canadian Ministers, some of whom are coming over here?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is one of the questions which we have under consideration. I think it is very probable that would be desirable. But that would make it difficult for me to make a statement for a few days.

Captain W. BENN

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the Resolution of the House, and the view's expressed would he satisfied by the imposition of a quarantine, which would be equivalent to an embargo?

Lieut.-Colonel MORDEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain hon. Members here are openly stating, and it has also been stated in another place, that they will so manæuvre matters that no Bill will be introduced in this House this year?

Lieut.-Colonel WHELER

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it desirable to take into consideration the views of other Ministers of other Dominions in addition to Canada?

Mr. PERCY

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer my supplementary question as to whether he can make a statement before the House rises?

The PRIME MINISTER

if my hon. Friend will put down a question next week, I may then be in a better position to give an answer. Obviously, consultation is necessary. A Resolution of a different character has been adopted in another place and we have to take that into consideration, and there are other matters which will require to be taken into account.

Sir F. LOWE

In taking action on this matter of the embargo, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of imposing a quarantine?