HC Deb 21 April 1932 vol 264 cc1626-7
24. Miss CAZALET

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether steps are being taken to procure the attendance at the Ottawa Conference of representative bankers and other authorities on monetary affairs with a view to the discussion and formulation of a common Imperial monetary policy designed to eliminate exchange fluctuations between different members of the British Empire?

Major ELLIOT

I do not know what steps if any are being taken by the Dominions in respect of the matter raised by my hon. Friend's question. So far as this country is concerned it is not proposed to invite the attendance of bankers or other authorities on monetary affairs at Ottawa, but the representatives of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will be well acquainted with the views of bankers and economists on the subject.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Is it the fact that this question is to be on the agenda at Ottawa?

Major ELLIOT

I have often found that these discussions were much helped by the absence of experts.

Captain MACDONALD

That is not a reply to my question. I asked if this subject is not to be on the agenda at Ottawa?

Major ELLIOT

I do not think that question arises out of the answer.

36. Mr. PIKE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the difficulties attendant upon emigration to the Colonies, he will assure the House that this question will be included in the delberations at Ottawa?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I assume that the question is intended to refer to emigration to the Dominions. In the opinion of my right hon. Friend, as he informed the House in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Moss Side (Sir G. Hurst) on 23rd February last, the question of migration is definitely linked up with that of the prosperity of the Dominions. If at the Ottawa Conference a scheme can be evolved which will restore their prosperity, renewal of migration will become a practical question. The hon. Member may be assured that this matter will not be lost sight of by the representatives of the United Kingdom at the Conference.