§ 80. Major NATHANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who are members of the Tin Producers' Association; and what are the conditions of membership and the machinery of election?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Tin Producers' Association Incorporated is registered under the Companies Act. The association is an unofficial body, and I do not think I could properly undertake to answer questions regarding its constitution or membership.
§ 81. Major NATHANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on whose nomination and by whose appointment Sir John Campbell, Mr. Lowinger and Mr. Thomson are members of the Malay States delegation to the International Tin Committee, and Sir F. Baddeley, Sir John Campbell and Mr. Calder members of the Nigeria delegation?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERSir John Campbell, Mr. Thomson, Sir Frank Baddeley and Mr. Calder were appointed in 1931 as delegates of the Malay States and of Nigeria after consultation between Lord Passfield, the High Commissioner for the Malay States and the Governor of Nigeria. Mr. Lowinger was nominated by the High Commissioner for the Malay States to fill a vacancy which occurred in October, 1932.
§ Major NATHANWill the right hon. Gentleman say by whom the appointment was made in the case of the gentlemen first mentioned by him?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI said that it was made after consultation between Lord Passfield, who was then Secretary of State in the Labour Government, the High Commissioner for the Malay States and the Governor of Nigeria.
§ Major NATHANWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the question and say by whom the appointments were made. I mean from whom the appointments emanated?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe respective Governments.
§ Major COLFOXCan my right hon. Friend give the names of any hon Members of this House who may be speculating in tin at the present time?
§ Mr. WILMOTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these persons who are supposed to represent British Empire producers voted in favour of the tin buffer stock scheme against the mandate of those whom they are supposed to represent?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERPersons appointed by Governments to act in an official capacity to exercise their best judgment ought to exercise their best judgment.