§ 1. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the British representatives to the Ottawa Conference have yet been appointed; if so, what their names are; what preparation is being undertaken in this country for the work of the conference; and whether it is the intention of the Government to propose any definite measure of Imperial economic preference?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answers which I gave on the 14th April and the 5th May to questions by the Hon. Members for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers), Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville), and Woolwich West (Sir K. Wood).
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNECan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he will be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. THOMASThe House must be aware that this Conference is arranged by one of our Dominions. They must of necessity have regard to all the circumstances. Obviously, there are difficulties which Canada must face, but it is not for us to unduly press them.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes that apply to that part of the question which refers to the preparations in this country?
§ Mr. THOMASOn that matter, the hon. Member cannot be aware of the previous answer which I gave. I have already indicated that extensive preparations are being made upon all questions of trade so far as this country is concerned.
§ Sir KINGSLEY WOODAre they leading up to a definite policy on behalf of the Government.
§ Mr. THOMASI hope so, because the Dominions take the view, and have expressed it, that their policy is that their country comes first, and that will not be lost sight of as far as we are concerned.
§ 2. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the effect that the delay in giving an assurance that all the Dominions are to represented at the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference is having on the prospects of this Conference, he will take steps to ensure that information on this matter is forthcoming with the least possible delay?
§ Mr. THOMASAs I have stated in answers to previous questions, the arrangements for the Conference are in the hands of His Majesty's Government in Canada and not in those of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom; I am not, however, aware of any ground for the assumption in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs the right hon. Gentleman going himself, and has he still the same enthusiasm for Empire as when he took coal over? [Interruption.] May I press for an answer?