HC Deb 09 June 1932 vol 266 cc2106-7
54. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Agriculture for what reason only five representatives of farming in England and Wales out of a total of twelve have been appointed to the advisory committee dealing with agricultural matters to be raised at the Ottawa Conference, in view of the fact that the proportion of Great Britain's agricultural output produced by England and Wales is approximately 80 per cent.?

Sir J. GILMOUR

My object in setting up the committee referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend was to provide the agricultural adviser for Ottawa, who is chairman of the committee, with a means of ascertaining the views of agriculturists from all parts of the United Kingdom on questions likely to arise at the Ottawa Conference. For that reason I took steps to ensure that the committee was as widely representative as possible, and I do not feel that the considerations referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend really arise.

Mr. GLOSSOP

Would it not be possible to include among the representatives a direct nominee of the dairy farming interests in the country as recommended by the British Dairy Farmers' Association?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I do not think that I can add to the personnel now, but there is no reason why the views of that body should not be heard by the committee, and I hope that that will be the case.

35. Mr. BROCKLEBANK for

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether steps are being taken by his Department to evolve an Empire monetary policy for submission to the Ottawa Conference; if so, when work was commenced; what staff is engaged upon it; and whether the nature of the policy will be made public before the conference?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Questions of monetary policy as affecting the various parts of the Empire have constantly been before the Treasury, particularly in recent months, as part of their normal duties. His Majesty's Government will welcome a discussion of these important questions at the Ottawa Conference, but I do not consider that it would be desirable for me to give expression to any detailed views in advance of such discussion.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Australian Government are sending bankers as advisers to this Conference on the question of currency, and does the Government intend to do likewise?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no official information upon that point.