HC Deb 21 May 1928 vol 217 cc1500-1
20. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what will be the functions of the British High Commissioner in Canada; when he will begin his duties; and what will he the consequential changes in the position and duties of the Governor-General of Canada?

Mr. AMERY

It is not possible at pre sent to define in detail the functions which will be performed by the High Commissioner in Canada for. His Majesty's Government in Great Britain, but their general character is indicated in Section VI of the Report of the Committee on Inter-Imperial Relations of the Imperial Conference, 1926 (Cmd. 2768. p. 27). It is proposed that he should enter upon his duties towards the end of the summer. No change will be involved in the position and duties of the Governor-General of Canada. My hon. Friend will remember that the position of Governor-General was defined in Section IV (b) of the Report to which I have already referred.

Mr. HANNON

Are we to assume that the greater part of the time of the High Commissioner will be given to the development of British trade in Canada?

Mr. AMERY

All that interests this Government will come within his purview, and I have no doubt he will give valuable assistance to the Trade Commissioner.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the salary for this office has yet come before the House for sanction?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir. I think an item of £10,000 covering representation of His Majesty's Government in the Dominions was included in the Estimates.

Mr. HURD

Can my right hon. Friend say whether that means that our Trade Commissioners in Canada will in future be under our High Commissioner in Canada?

Mr. AMERY

I cannot say that the exact relations have been definitely settled, but as I stated in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon), the representative of His Majesty's Government may, no doubt, be able to render valuable assistance.

Mr. HURD

Not necessarily under the High Commissioner?

Mr. AMERY

It does not follow that he will be under him.

Captain CROOKSHANK

To which Department of State in this country will the British High Commissioner in Canada be responsible?

Mr. AMERY

The Dominions Department.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

May we understand that there is to be no change at all with regard to the representation of the Overseas Trade Department?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. No change in regard to that.

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