HC Deb 09 December 1931 vol 260 cc1864-6
15. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if arrangements can be made to comply with the expressed desire of the British West Indies to be represented at the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa; and, if not, what other means will be found to promote inter-Empire conferences at which the interests of the Colonies and Dependencies of the Crown can be considered?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Separate representation at an Imperial Conference, of particular colonies or groups of colonies would be contrary to practice and, I think, inconvenient; but the economic interests of the West Indian and other Colonies are engaging the earnest consideration of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Colonial Office Conference affords a periodic opportunity of considering common interests and problems, and regular arrangements are in existence for conferences upon specific or regional subjects.

Mr. HURD

Is it not desirable that colonies like the West Indies should have an opportunity before the Ottawa Conference of putting their views forward in conference form?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Certainly. It is very desirable that the West Indies should have the opportunity of putting forward their interests at all times, and they are having opportunities, but the hon. Member asked whether particular colonies should be represented at the Imperial Conference, and that is quite a different matter.

Mr. HURD

Could not a colonial conference be called prior to the Ottawa Conference?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think that that course is in the least necessary. It would be a very unfortunate thing if the idea got abroad that we were only considering the interests of the colonies at conferences, which are held perhaps every three years. My view is that the home Government ought to be considering the interests of the colonies all the time.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is not Imperial unity a thing of the past?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I hope that Imperial unity is a thing of the present and of the future.

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

Is it not of importance that our colonial trade should be considered as part and parcel of our inter-Imperial trade at the Imperial Conference?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Certainly both parts of inter-Imperial trade should be considered. I very much deprecate the idea that the question of improving trade relations between us and our Crown Colonies should only be considered at an Imperial Conference.