§ 59. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will include in the British delegation to the Ottawa Conference persons specially charged with the duty of watching the interests of consumers in this country of' goods it may be proposed to tax?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)His Majesty's Government are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the United Kingdom delegation to Ottawa will be fully advised, both before and during the Conference, as to the interests which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the composition of the delegation now been finally settled?
§ Mr. MAXTONWill there be any additions or subtractions?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI should like to ask whether there will be members of the Co-operative Society on this delegation?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the Co-operative Wholesale Society, which is the society he has no doubt in mind, wrote to me last week saying that they would have a delegation in Ottawa at this time and that their services would be at my disposal. I shall accept it.
60. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will add to the British representation at Ottawa trade union leaders who support the National Government in addition to those at present appointed whose political opinions are known to be opposed to the policy of the Government?
Mr. THOMASThe choice of industrial advisers to accompany the United Kingdom delegation to Ottawa was made without reference to the political opinions of those nominated.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeling on this subject in the country?
Mr. THOMASNo, but I am quite sure that there would be considerable feeling if the Government in selecting advisers on business matters merely considered the political views of these advisers.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it not undesirable that only one political minority should be represented?
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not the fact that the representatives of employers and workmen have been dictated to by outside organisations?
Mr. THOMASOn the contrary, and I am quite sure that the hon. Member with his knowledge of the Trade Union Congress would not assume for one moment that they would dictate to anybody.