§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOAREasked the President of the Board of Trade who is the, present representative of the British Government on the Central Rhine Commission; and, in view of the decisions to be taken on the 25th April regarding the proposed lateral canal, what steps are being taken to appoint the second representative on the Commission to which the British Government are entitled?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe present representative of Great Britain on the Central Rhine Commission is Mr. J. G. Baldwin, C.B. The question of the appointment of a second British representative on the Commission is under consideration.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling that there ought to be a second representative appointed who is not an official, and it is very important that he should be appointed before the Conference?
§ of the values which would be recorded for 1921 if the goods imported and exported were assigned the same average values as were recorded for the same descriptions of goods in 1913:—
§ Mr. BALDWINI am quite aware of that feeling, but I may perhaps be allowed to state to the House that our representative cannot act on important matters without obtaining instructions from us, and that he has two votes in the Conference. I have hesitated to appoint a second member to that Commission so far, because it would mean an extra salary.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chambers of commerce are particularly anxious that a commercial man should be appointed if a second man is appointed?
§ Sir S. HOAREWill the right hon. Gentleman also come to a decision before the Conference meets?