HC Deb 27 June 1932 vol 267 cc1454-5
5. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the proposed early separation of Burma from India, he can state what representatives of Burma in particular will be present at the Ottawa Conference?

Sir S. HOARE

Sir Samuel Smyth, who was recently a member of the Government of Burma, has been appointed an Adviser to the India Delegation in order to safeguard the interests of Burma.

9. Mr. HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to communicate with the representative Indian commercial organisations concerning the results of the preliminary negotiations between the Indian Delegation to the Ottawa Conference and the British Government before the Indian Delegation proceeds to Geneva to enter into formal negotiation?

Sir S. HOARE

I have not heard what the intentions of the Government of India are in this matter.

50. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the question of the nationality of married women will be discussed at the Ottawa Conference; and whether the Government representatives are prepared to put forward the proposal that married women shall have the right of choosing their nationality on marriage for agreement throughout the Dominions?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The Conference is an economic one and political questions, such as that referred to by the hon. Member, will not be discussed.

Mr. GRENFELL

If not at this Conference, will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the subject at another conference?

Mr. THOMAS

I am sure that my hon. Friend will agree that at this Conference he would much prefer that coal should be discussed rather than women's rights, but, as to the future, on women's rights I do not commit myself.

Mr. GRENFELL

After the right hon. Gentleman has satisfied the House with regard to coal, would he again look at women?

Mr. THOMAS

The experience of my life is such that I never refuse to look at women.

46. Mr. MORGAN JONES (for Sir WILLIAM JENKINS)

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a person with expert knowledge of the coal industry to join the delegation to Ottawa?

The PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

The coal industry is in the same position as other industries in relation to representation of its interests at the Ottawa Conference. The United Kingdom delegation will be assisted by the industrial advisers whose names have been announced, and it is open to any trade to lay its views before these advisers and to decide in consultation with them whether it needs to be specially represented at Ottawa.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the President of the Council not think that the coal industry of this country is of almost equal importance with agriculture?

Mr. BALDWIN

Certainly, there is no more important industry.