§ 2.36 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what replies have been received from the West Indian Government to the despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies inviting them to send representatives to a conference on West Indian Federation in London this summer, and when this conference is likely to take place.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, most of the Governments concerned welcome the idea of a conference in London. The preliminary work on the details of federation mentioned in paragraph 4 of the despatch has not yet been completed, and my right honourable friend regards it as most important that the conference should not be held until this has been done.