Mr James Couper
, Glasgow Maryhill
asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement as to the personnel and terms of reference of the proposed mission to Australia?
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
Yes, Sir. At the request of His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia arrangements have now been made for a mission, comprising:
- Sir Harry McGowan, K.B.E.,
- Sir Hugo Hirst, Bart.,
- Sir Ernest Clark, K.C.B., and
- Mr. Dougal Malcolm,
To confer with the Commonwealth and State Governments, with the Development and Migration Commission and with leaders of industry and commerce in Australia on the development of Australian resources and on any other matters of mutual economic interest to Great Britain and the Commonwealth, which may tend to the promotion of trade between the two countries and the increase of settlement in Australia.
Mr James Couper
, Glasgow Maryhill
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the question of migration has been considered?
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
The hon. Member will see from the last line of my reply that they will confer on matters which may tend to the promotion of trade between the two countries and the increase of settlement in Australia.
Sir Edward Campbell
, Camberwell North West
Is any similar mission contemplated in Canada?
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
This mission is the result of an invitation by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia to send a mission to confer with their Development Commission. Naturally, if an invitation came from any other Dominion we should give it sympathetic consideration.
Sir Edward Campbell
, Camberwell North West
Are these gentlemen likely to be there some time?
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
I understand that they will be away about six months.