§ 46. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have been made for the representation of the Crown Colonies, separately or collectively, at the forthcoming Ottawa Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe interests of all the Crown Colonies and other non-self-governing dependencies will be represented at the forthcoming Ottawa Conference by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDHave the Colonies been consulted? Have there been any conversations between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Colonies themselves; and, if the Secretary of State for the Colonies goes 1037 to Ottawa, will he speak only on behalf of the Colonies, or also on behalf of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMinisters of various Departments will speak for those Departments and for the Government. That is the practice which has always been followed at Imperial Conferences.
§ Sir P. HARRISIs not the situation different owing to the fact that it is a case of bargaining for terms; and will not the Crown Colonies have a special interest on this occasion, apart even from this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend will look at the legislation which has been passed, he will find that the Colonies occupy a special position.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes the Prime Minister expect any good to come out of the Ottawa Conference?
§ 47. Captain SOTHERON-ESTCOURTasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to make coal one of the subjects of discussion at the Ottawa Conference, especially in regard to Canadian purchases from the United States; and whether, if so, he will ensure that coal experts to advise are in attendance at Ottawa?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs explained by the Secretary for Mines in reply to a previous question, the possibility of extending the sale of coal from the United Kingdom in Canada is being carefully studied as part of the preparations for the Ottawa Conference. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, East (Mr. Hall-Caine) on 21st March.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any chance, when these Ministers are in Canada this year, of getting any more ships than were got last time?
§ Mr. BATEYWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear when he goes to Ottawa that Canada will be given no more preference, unless Canada buys more coal from this country and less from the United States?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt those who do go to Canada will note that observation.