§ 12. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is yet in a position to state the decision arrived at with regard to the appointment of a high commissioner in Australia?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I am carefully examining the matter, but I am not in a position at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member on the 16th of December last.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give a reply?
§ Mr. THOMASI am quite sure that the hon. Member and the House generally will appreciate the changed circumstances. The Governor-General, under the present regime, is the direct nominee of the Dominion, and, obviously, that necessitates changed circumstances as far as the High Commissioner is concerned, and, equally, the position of High Commissioner is one that requires very careful consideration on the grounds both of personnel and expense. All these facts are being considered, and I assure the hon. Member that I hope to be able to make an announcement very shortly.