§ 9. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE (for Mr. WARD LAW-MILNE)asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any proposals in the nature of Imperial Preference or likely to lead to a closer economic union between this country and the Dominions had been proposed to the Dominions for the consideration of the Ottawa Conference before the time when the postponement was decided upon; and, if so, whether any negotiations on these lines will be continued between now and 1932?
§ Mr. LUNNSince the adjournment of the Imperial Conference last year, neither His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom nor, so far as I am aware, any of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, have put forward any specific proposals in anticipation of the intended Conference at Ottawa. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. BOYCEAre the Government aware that if any such proposals had been made by the Imperial Government the Governments of Australia and New Zealand would have found it possible to send representatives to Ottawa this year?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYMay I ask whether, in view of the postponement of this Conference, the Government propose to proceed with the negotiations on their own policy of bulk purchase?