§ 35. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that associations representing the interests of both growers and sellers of home-grown timber are desirous of laying their views before the delegation going to Ottawa; to whom should they apply; and whether the question of all timber interests, Dominion, Colonial and homegrown, will be treated as one industry under one particular member of the delegation or will be reviewed separately as a general question?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 7th June to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Peebles and Southern (Captain A. Ramsay), in which it was stated that it is open to any trade which wishes to do so to lay its views before the Industrial Advisers who will accompany the United Kingdom Delegation to Ottawa. I would suggest that the special interests referred to should get into touch with the Industrial Advisers as soon as possible. As regards the last part of the question, Government policy in relation to the timber interests referred to raises issues affecting a number of Departments and will be considered accordingly.
Brigadier-General BROWNMay I ask my right hon. Friend if it is open to any trade? My question is as to whether associations representing trade sellers and buyers can present their case?
Mr. THOMASCertainly, our advisers will be open to receive representations from anybody who can give them information.
Brigadier-General BROWNHas the Minister had any representations from, or is he going to take the advice of, those responsible for the Princes Risborough Forestry Institute who know the whole question of Dominion policy and can give most valuable advice?
Mr. THOMASIf these very expert people will communicate on the lines that I have indicated, I am sure that we shall welcome all the expert advice that we can get.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the right hon. Gentleman made any public intimation other than what he has made by means of question and answer across the Floor of the House as to the facilities that different interests have for approaching the Ottawa delegation and their expert advisers?
Mr. THOMASMy experience is that no public intimation is necessary. We receive a large number of applications from people who legitimately feel that they have something to say and want to state their case. They are welcomed and met by the Government, and I do not think that any further intimation is necessary. Of course, if, as a result of my hon. Friend's question any others feel that they should come along, the time is short.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I take it that if I were to approach the right hon. Gentleman with a working-class deputation on the question of unemployment and health insurance, I could get access to him?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend can rest assured that, if he were to approach me with any deputation and I thought that they could give me information that would be of value, then I should be delighted to meet them.
§ Mr. MAXTONWithout allowing the technical advisers to intervene?
Mr. THOMASWithout anyone intervening, but with the proviso that I must be satisfied that they have something useful to say,
36. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs who is to be responsible at Ottawa for official information given to the Press?
Mr. THOMASIt would be in accordance with the practice at previous Imperial Conferences that the Canadian Government, as conveners of the Conference, should, be responsible for the arrangements whereby official information will be given to the Press at Ottawa.
Sir N. STEWART SANDEMANCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the assurance that he will use his influence to see that someone who is really experienced is made use of to fill this post?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend will know the difficulty of what he asks. If the Imperial Conference was held in London, we, as the conveners, would be responsible, and it would be rather unfortunate if each of the other Dominions came along and said: "Are you quite sure of the fitness of the individual you have appointed?" I assume that the Canadian Government are fully alive to the responsibilities of this post, and will act accordingly.