HC Deb 25 June 1930 vol 240 cc1140-1
56. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is intended by the Empire Marketing Board to hold a special display or exhibition in connection with the Imperial Conference, or otherwise, to acquaint the delegates with the nature of its activities?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The work of the Empire Marketing Board will no doubt be reviewed at the Imperial Conference, but it is not the Board's present intention to organise any special display or exhibition.

57. Captain MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he intends to make any statement as to the composition of the agenda for the forthcoming Imperial Conference and as to the items to be placed thereon by the Government?

Mr. THOMAS

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on the 18th June and to which I am not in a position to add anything.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Surely there is ample precedent for a very full preliminary statement by the Government in respect of the Imperial Conference as to the main topics which will be admissible at their discussions?

Mr. THOMAS

I am not concerned with precedents, but the common sense on the situation, which the right hon. Gentleman knows better than anybody else, is this, that the agenda must be agreed upon by those participating in the Conference. Negotiations are taking place now, and, when they are completed and we have an agenda set up by agreement there will be no objection, as far as the Government are concerned, to answer any question in the House. I indicated last week, in the reply to a question on this point, that, as far as the Government were concerned, we intend that no subject shall be excluded which will be of general benefit to the Empire.

Mr. CHURCHILL

May we take it that there will be a statement made on behalf of the Dominions Office and the Government generally as to the scope and character of the Conference before we separate for the holidays?

Mr. THOMAS

There will be no objection, but I understand that my salary, which I have not yet earned, is to be reduced to-morrow, and perhaps that will be an appropriate opportunity for the right hon. Gentleman.