§ 20. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether arrangements are being made for an air expert to accompany the British Government to the forthcoming Ottawa Conference in order that his guidance may be available in connection with discussions which may arise as to the possibility of further co-operation between the Dominions, Great Britain, India, and the Colonies on Imperial air communication?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The matter is under consideration.
§ 38. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has now received any communications from His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions with regard to the proposal that business advisers should be attached to the United Kingdom delegation to the Ottawa Conference; and, if so, what is the nature of these communications?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)Yes, Sir. I have now received replies from most of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions. The replies show that the reasons for the policy which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are adopting are understood and appreciated. I may add that I have already invited the industrial associations to nominate advisers.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan my right hon. Friend say whom he anticipates appointing to the delegation, and if they intend to sail before the Conference?
Mr. THOMASThat is detail. I have invited those who would be most competent to represent them to send in their names, and I am trusting to their judgment.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan my right hon. Friend say when he will be in a position to give the names of the delegates?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs any limit to be put upon the number of business men who are to go, and is there to be any regard to the cost it will entail; and is the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the changed delegation in numbers, still in charge of the affairs in connection with the Conference?
Mr. THOMASWith regard to the first question, the representation both of capital and labour in this matter is limited, and the choice is left to the particular bodies dealing with it. The cost of the advisers will be borne by the Government itself. Incidentally, the cost of delegations of this kind will be far better measured by results than by anything else.
§ Captain MACDONALDDo other Dominions anticipate sending similar delegations?
§ Captain MACDONALDHave they stated whether they intend to do so or not?
Mr. THOMASThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must be aware that the British Commonwealth of Nations constitutes the Dominions, and under that definition consultation is all that takes place. We consulted the Dominions and told them what we intend to do. It will rest with them as to their reply.
§ Captain MACDONALDI am very much obliged for the information, of which I was well aware before, but I want to know, if the other Dominions are not sending similar delegations, with whom is our delegation going to negotiate?
Mr. THOMASI am afraid that the hon. and gallant Gentleman misunderstands the object of those advisers. Everybody knows that there will be trade negotiations affecting particular industries, and the object of the Government is to get first-hand knowledge and advice from those competent to give it who are themselves engaged in the industries.
§ Mr. MAXTONThe right hon. Gentleman did not reply to the second question put by my hon. Friend as to whether, in view of the change in the delegation to Ottawa he is still taking the responsibility for all the arrangements?
Mr. THOMASI know of no change whatever in the delegation. I have seen and continue to see daily all the trade representatives in connection with all the business in regard to Ottawa. This is the first that I have heard of any change in the delegation.