§ 48. Mr. HURDasked the Prime Minister whether, in the discussions now proceeding as to arrangements for the Imperial and Imperial Economic Conferences of this autumn, he will invite opinions from the Dominion Governments on the suggestion that, in order to promote continuity of Empire economic policy, delegates to the Imperial Economic Conference should be representative of opposition as well as governmental opinion in each part of the Empire, while leaving full ministerial responsibility with the Imperial Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 13th November last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle). The considerations which determined the decision regarding the political conference are equally applicable to economic discussions.
§ Mr. HURDHas there been any opportunity for ascertaining whether that is the view of the Dominion Governments, and whether they think that the same considerations would apply to the Economic Conference as to the Imperial Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say regarding them all, but I know personally regarding some that that is so.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand that the Imperial Economic Conference is to be held at the same time as the Imperial Conference, and with the same personnel?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is to take place at the same time as the Imperial Conference. My latest information—I am not quite sure if anything has happened since—is that it was still under consideration regarding the precise personnel. The expert advisers would be different.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEAs the results of the Economic Conference must be adopted by the Imperial Conference, do the same considerations really apply?