§ 51. Mr. LYONSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will now make a statement upon the recent trading agreement between Canada and Germany, and give its terms and its effect upon this country?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I have no information on the subject other than that which has appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. LYONSIn view of the seriousness of what that agreement might mean at the present time, will my right hon. Friend take steps to stop the circulation of any statement suggesting such an agreement before the Ottawa Conference?
Mr. THOMASIt is not for me to take any steps to stop a treaty entered into between a Dominion and another country. It is for me to see what application the treaty may have to our interests, and that I am doing.
§ Mr. LYONSMay we have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that the reports about this matter are entirely unfounded?
Mr. THOMASI do not know whether they are unfounded or not. If the hon. Gentleman will convey any information to me I will have it inquired into. I have only seen, as I have said a Press statement, and, if I merely inquired into every Press statement. I should never be finished.
§ Vice-Admiral TAYLORIs not that one more instance of the great importance of the Ottawa Conference?