HC Deb 11 April 1911 vol 24 cc429-30W
Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDS

asked the Prime Minister if he will state who is responsible for the creation of the national committee to arrange for the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon; how the expenses of the same are being defrayed; whether the members of such committee have been personally selected, and, if so, upon what basis of selection, or whether they have been elected, and, if so, by whom; whether the corporations, town councils, county councils, standing joint committees, University governors, boards of guardians, district councils, chambers of commerce, or other public bodies have been asked to appoint representatives; whether he is aware that several counties have not a single resident or representative upon the said committee; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction with the constitution and methods of the said committee, and of the likelihood of grave friction and dissension developing upon an auspicious occasion when it is universally desired that there should be a manifestation of the greatest harmony and goodwill from every section of the Welsh nation, he will say what steps he will take to avoid so infelicitous a possibility?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand that the composition of the Committee was the result of informal arrangements, and the steps proposed to be taken by it have received the unanimous approval of representatives of the county and town councils who were summoned for the purpose. The expenses are being defrayed by a national subscription. I have no reason to believe that there is any such dissatisfaction or fear of friction as is suggested in the question.