46. Mr. H. GUESTasked the Prime Minister what subjects will be considered by the Imperial Conference which is to meet in October next; what will be the dates of meeting and the order of business; and what will be the probable duration of the Conference?
§ 49. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether the agenda for the Imperial Conference has been drawn up; and, if so, what subjects it is proposed to discuss?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. The date proposed for the opening of the Conference is 5th October. As to the agenda for the Conference, it has been agreed (that, as in the past, its work should include a general review of foreign policy and defence, and of the questions to which they give rise, and that it should consider the development of the system of communication and consultation between the Governments of the Empire on matters of common concern.
The following are the chief economic questions which will be on the agenda:
- (1) Oversea settlement.
- (2) A general review of inter-Imperial trade, present and future, including a discussion of the work of the Imperial Economic Committee and the position of the Empire Marketing Board.
- (3) Communications, under which head will be included the work of the Imperial Shipping Committee and the question of commercial air services.
- (4) Research.
- (5) The exhibition within the Empire of Empire films.
- (6) The question of securing agreement as to the liability of State enterprises to taxation.
Mr. GUESTWill there be an opportunity for the representation of Opposition opinion as well as Government opinion at the Imperial Conference, in view of the situation in South Africa Canada and this country at the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe only difficulty in regard to that is that the Imperial Conference has always been a conference of Governments, and no provision has been made for the official representation of Oppositions, either in the Dominions or in the country convening the Conference.
Mr. GUESTWith regard to overseas 'settlement, will there be any investigation into the land available in the Dominions in connection with that particular question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question to the Secretary of State for the Dominions. I cannot answer it.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs the date, 5th October, likely to be altered because of any conditions which exist in any of these Dominions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI could not answer that question at present.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill this Conference discuss the powers of Governors-General with regard to the dissolution of Dominion Parliaments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not had any notice that that subject will be discussed.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHMay I inquire whether Members of this House or of the general public will be allowed to attend the Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not considered that question. It has never been done yet.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the. Prime Minister consider that, as far as Australia and this country are concerned, the Governments do not represent a majority of the voters?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat does not prevent them being Governments.