HC Deb 24 November 1931 vol 260 cc189-90
12. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, before making arrangements for his tour of the Dominions, any steps were taken to ascertain which of the Dominions, if any, would find it impossible to attend an Imperial Economic Conference not later than the spring of 1932?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The object of the Government has been to secure that the date at which the Conference shall meet is one which will enable all the Governments concerned to attend, and will also allow time enough for adequate preparations to be made.

48. Mr. CLARRY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in pursuance of economic development in the Empire and in view of the pending Imperial Conference, he has sufficient information regarding the general lines upon which specific industries and interests are prepared to agree to tariff adjustments and preferences both in home and Dominion markets to enable the Imperial Conference during its session to ratify inter-Empire trading agreements actually prepared prior to the sittings of the Conference?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

I can assure my hon. Friend that the question of the development of inter-Imperial trade is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and that the necessary information is being collected and examined.