HC Deb 24 February 1931 vol 248 cc1962-3W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any proposals have yet been agreed upon by his Department for discussion at the forthcoming Imperial Conference at Ottawa; and, if so, what those proposals are?

Mr. THOMAS

As I have indicated in answer to previous questions, preparations for the conference are in active progress so far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are concerned. I am not in a position to say more at present.

Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any date has been fixed for the assembling in Ottawa of the Imperial Economic Conference; and if it is certain that Australia will be there represented?

Mr. THOMAS

No date has yet been fixed for the opening of the adjourned meeting of the economic section of the Imperial Conference which it is proposed, in accordance with the resolution of the conference, to hold at Ottawa this year. I have no reason to suppose that the Commonwealth of Australia will not he represented at the meeting.

Mr. WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has anything new to report as regards the proposed conference at Ottawa; and whether, in particular, the work of elaborating its agenda is in active preparation?

Mr. THOMAS

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, preparations for the Conference are in active progress so far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are concerned.