§ 46. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is contemplated that the provisions of the Ottawa Agreements as they affect one of the Dominions can be supplemented by separate agreement with that Dominion without consultation with all the parties represented at the Ottawa Conference; and whether he will inform the House of any representations made to the Government by any of the Dominions arising from the Agreements?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I would refer the hon. Member to Article 23 of the Agreement with Canada, and to the corresponding Articles in the other Agreements which deal with the question of variation of the terms of the Agreements. The hon. Member may rest assured that the House will be kept informed of any important developments.
§ 47. Mr. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs 1610 whether he proposes to enter into negotiations with the Canadian Prime Minister while in this country for the extension or amendment of the provisions of the Ottawa Agreements; and whether conversations with the representatives of any other Dominion are intended?
Mr. THOMASI cannot say at this stage what questions will be discussed with Mr. Bennett during his forthcoming visit.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs it now proposed to consider the restriction of importation of Scandinavian timber in order to give a preference to Canadian timber?
Mr. THOMASI have already said I cannot at this stage say what questions will be discussed with Mr. Bennett.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the First Commissioner of Works yesterday said such a thing was in contemplation? We should like to know.
Mr. THOMASMy colleague said that, on the question of timber, a preference is intended to be given to Canada, but that does not affect Mr. Bennett's visit.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs Mr. Bennett not to discuss anything at all?
§ Mr. LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that there will be no humbug about these conversations?