§ 45. Mr. WALTER BAKERasked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Imperial Conference on Cable and Wireless Services is likely to be in his hands; and how soon publication will be possible?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I find on inquiry that it is not possible to forecast when the Report of the Imperial Wireless and Cable Conference will be available. I understand that the deliberations of the Conference will not be concluded for some little time. As soon as I am in a position to do so I will make a statement.
§ Mr. BAKERCan the Prime Minister verify the statement that the negotiations of this Conference are still being carried on, seeing that at least one member of the Commonwealth Conference sailed for home on the 4th inst?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand from the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is keeping in close touch with this Conference, that the gentleman referred to is the technical adviser.
§ Mr. SNOWDENCan the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that nothing will be done in this matter until the Report has been published, and Parliament has had an opportunity of discussing it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIn view of the importance of this question, and the public interest taken in it, will the Prime Minister give a very early opportunity for a Debate upon it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have always been prepared to afford an opportunity for a Debate as soon as we get the Report of the Conference, but until we get the Report it is very difficult for us to arrange for a Debate.
§ Mr. BAKERAre we to understand that Mr. Lenton, the representative of South Africa at this Conference, is no more than a technical adviser?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot answer that question, obviously, without notice, but I will look into it.
§ Mr. BAKERMay I respectfully ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he remembers that I have been putting questions to him on this subject for two or three months, and the answers have been that these matters were under consideration, while the fact is—
§ Mr. BARRArising out of the Prime Minister's reply that until we have the Report it is exceedingly difficult to debate, may I ask if that does not justify the action taken by the Scottish Members last week?