A PRESSING NEED.

Shannon News, 23 March 1923, Page 4

A PRESSING NEED.

UNRIVALLED ' COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES. . DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS. (Received Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 21. Lord Strathspey, in tl*e House of Lords, asked the Government to take steps to consult the Dominions for the purpose of shaping definite proposals for Empire consolidation. The Empire offered an unrivalled opportunity for trade and commerce, but success, ive Governments had not taken the advantage of these opportunities. The reason was that they insufficiently trusted the Dominions. The Dominions were simply fold that Avar had broken out and Avere expected to contribute blood and treasure. He advocated re. ciprocal trading arid suggested that the high commissioners should occupy seats in the House of Lords Avith their Dominion’s title. If matters were aI-IOAV-ed to continue as at present, it Avas an open question whether in tAvo generations there would be any Empire left. What her clans had been to Scotland so the Dominions Avere to England. If Britain mixed itself up Avith negroes, dagoes, and the riff, raff of the Avorld, instead of her own class, the latter would look elseAvhere.

The Duke 'of Devonshire said the present Parliament contained stronger representation than any previous one of those who had been privileged to par ticipate in the atfairjFbf the great Dominions.

• The Government was considering far.reaching proposals for improve-

ments In trade, Avhich, be believed, Avould lead to a great, development of llie Empire’s resources. He hoped, Avitliin a feAV months, to be privileged to welcome the Dominions representatives to England where a comprehen. sive programme Avould be placed before them.