HC Deb 21 July 1936 vol 315 c226
60. Mr. LATHAN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in view of the effect of the new Australian tariff proposals on the general relations between Japan and the British Empire, whether the Commonwealth Government consulted him before making such proposals?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

No, Sir. The Commonwealth Government reached their decision without prior consultation with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Mr. SHINWELL

Should not the United Kingdom have been consulted on matters which affect the general tenor of the agreement?

Mr. MacDONALD

There was no necessity for consultation in this case either on account of the Ottawa Agreement or any other agreement, and such consultation did not take place.