HC Deb 08 February 1932 vol 261 cc485-6
82. Brigadier-General BROWN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps are being taken for the representa- tion of British agricultural interests at the Ottawa Conference; and whether he is now in consultation with any representative agricultural bodies as to the suggestions to be put before that conference?

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

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is a member of the Cabinet Committee which is charged with the duty of making preparations, so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, for the Conference at Ottawa, and he is in close touch with the representative agricultural bodies. The composition of the delegation which will represent His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom at the Ottawa Conference has not yet been settled.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is it not a fact that at present consultations are going on with the Secretary of State for the Dominions by certain trade bodies, and will he see that agriculture is given a similar chance to be represented in the arrangements now being made with any other bodies?

Mr. MacDONALD

Arrangements, of course, are being made for agricultural representation in the discussions that are going on.

Brigadier-General BROWN

What bodies representing agricultural opinion are now being consulted in the same way as trade bodies are being consulted?

Mr. MacDONALD

I should require notice of that question.

Brigadier-General BROWN

That is the question that I asked and to which I wanted an answer.

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