§ 22. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made for the representation of the interests of the Colonies, Protectorates, Protected States, and Mandated Territories at the economic discussions at the forthcoming Imperial Conference; and whether it is proposed to constitute an ad hoc panel of unofficial persons familiar with the trade and resources of these dependencies to assist him in an advisory capacity to represent their interests, in accordance with the precedent of the 1923 Conference?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe interests of the Colonies, Protectorates, Protected States, and Mandated Territories will be represented by my Noble Friend, who hopes to make some arrangement by which he will have all the necessary assistance, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to enter into details on the subject.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWill the hon. Gentleman make a statement before the House rises as to whether that assistance will be confined to permanent officials of of the Colonial Office, or whether there will be unofficial persons as well?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, I hope to make a statement.
Earl WINTERTONIn view of the importance of this matter to the Colonies, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to make a definite statement before the House adjourns?
§ Dr. SHIELSI have already answered that question.
51. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is yet in a position to announce the terms of the agenda for the forthcoming Imperial Conference; whether he has submitted those terms to the Dominion Governments; and, if so, with what results?
Mr. THOMASI would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Chippenham (Captain Cazalet), to which I can only add that consultation between ourselves and the Dominions on the subject of the Imperial Conference agenda is still proceeding.
Mr. THOMASI have previously announced that I hope it may be possible to announce the terms to the House.