HC Deb 29 November 1926 vol 200 cc816-7
23. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to results achieved by the Imperial Conference?

Mr. AMERY

My hon. Friend does not, I am sure, expect me to make an adequate detailed statement in reply to his question; for that I must refer him to the published proceedings of the Imperial Conference and to its Reports. But I think I might summarise the general outcome of the Conference in a very few words. Basing ourselves on the two cardinal principles which govern the relationship between Great Britain and the Dominions, namely, their complete equality of status and their unity under a common Crown, we have succeeded in giving clearer expression to that equality in matters of constitutional procedure, while we have arrived at practical conclusions in our methods of co-operation in foreign affairs, in defence, in migration, in trade and communication, and in scientific research, which will, I believe, contribute greatly to the strengthening of our unity.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is there any summary available or to be published of the proceedings of the Conference?

Mr. AMERY

If a summary is not available now, it will be in a very few days.

Mr. THURTLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman subscribe to the Press comment that the Empire now exists only in name?

Mr. AMERY

Certainly not.