§ 35. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is now in a position to intimate the nature, of the items to be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming Imperial Conference?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)As has been explained in reply to previous questions, the agenda for the forthcoming Imperial Conference is under discussion between the Governments concerned. The discussions are still proceeding, and I do not anticipate that any statement will be possible for some little time yet as regards the individual items to be included.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIn view of the fact that time is getting on, and the Conference is imminent, is it not desirable that the items should be facilitated and brought forward as much as possible?
§ Mr. THOMASThe hon. Member is apparently unaware of the fact that the agenda is not an agenda of the British Government, but is an agenda of all the Dominions attending. Therefore, they have as much right as we have, and it would be ridiculous for me to assume that we had the last word. I can only assure the hon. Member that negotiations are taking place, and everything is being done to speed up the matter.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYAre the British Government proposing that there should be included in that agenda the subject of the bulk purchase of wheat and other foodstuffs from the Dominions?
§ Mr. THOMASWhen the agenda appears, my hon. Friend will be able to see exactly what it contains.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in favour of that proposal on these benches?
§ Major COLVILLEIs it the case that, at the request of the Dominions, the question of a wide extension of the principle of Imperial Preference will be considered?
§ Mr. THOMASI hope that the agenda will exclude nothing that will be of advantage to the Empire.
Mr. MACLEANWhen the agenda is finally published, will any opportunity be given to this House to put forward any suggested amendments with regard to some of the proposals that it contains?
§ Mr. THOMASSpeaking from memory, I do not think there is any precedent for that, and, indeed, there would be objections to it from a practical point of view, because, if there were a debate on any subject preceding the discussion at the Imperial Conference, it would be bound to do harm.
§ Mr. WALLHEADIf certain questions which have been already mentioned are omitted from the agenda, will the agenda be open to revision, and will suggestions be accepted for putting in such questions?
§ Mr. THOMASI have already intimated that, so far as this Government are concerned, the agenda will be drawn in the widest possible terms; but it is also fair to say that we are not the masters of the situation. The Dominions must be consulted, and they must agree.