HC Deb 08 June 1932 vol 266 cc1923-4
39. Mr. V. ADAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominions Affairs whether he has any statement to make as to the preparations, particular or general, that are being made by His Majesty's Government for the forthcoming Conference at Ottawa?

Mr. THOMAS

As I informed the House on 11th December, an organisation was set up both among Ministers and in the Departments, within the first week after the present Government took office, to prepare for the Conference, and that organisation has been continuously at work. In addition, Ministers and the Departments concerned have been in close touch with representative organisations in this country and with the representatives of the numerous trades which have desired to express their views to us. Since the beginning of May we have had the advantage of the advice and assistance of the industrial advisers whose names have been announced, and who will accompany the United Kingdom delegation to Ottawa, These gentlemen are constantly being consulted by us on matters affecting trade interests and generally, and are themselves in direct communication with those qualified to speak on behalf of particular trades and industries in this country. Finally, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 2nd June, preliminary discussions have been taking place with Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa. Newfoundland and Southern Rhodesia, and also with India.