HC Deb 05 April 1932 vol 264 cc16-7
31. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements, if any, have been made for the presence of expert business men at the forthcoming Ottawa Conference?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are favourably disposed to the proposal that business advisers should be attached to the United Kingdom delegation to the Ottawa Conference, and are in communication on the subject with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Is it the Government's intention to have representatives of organised labour at the Conference as well?

Mr. THOMAS

The answer that I gave with regard to the business advisers is equally applicable to organised labour.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that one of the business advisers is connected with the pottery trade?

Mr. THOMAS

I will bear my right hon. and gallant Friend in mind.

Mr. MACMILLAN

Have the Government taken into consideration the general question of the representation of industry in all matters that affect industry?

Mr. THOMAS

Yes. There is daily contact with different business interests.

Mr. THORNE

When is the Ottawa Conference to meet; what is the actual date?

Mr. THOMAS

23rd July.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will the artificial silk industry be represented?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea of the number of business people or representatives of organised labour in his mind, or is it his intention to call a representative of every trade and large business? What is his limit?