A.—6

" As a particular means to the extension of simplification and standardization within the Commonwealth, the Conference suggests for the consideration of the several Governments the establishment in each country of an index to specifications in use by large buyers (governmental and other), and would draw attention to the type of index which is to be compiled by the Board of Trade in London." As regards fundamental standards of weight, measure, &c, the Conference on Standardization made proposals for preserving uniformity in the standards used in common throughout the Commonwealth. The following resolution proposed by them on this subject was adopted by the Imperial Conference : — " The Conference is of opinion that — " (i) It is desirable that there should be uniformity between the standards employed for all units of measurement which are of common use among the British Commonwealth of Nations: " (ii) In order to secure such uniformity, arrangements should be made— " (a) To provide in each Dominion and in India suitable reference standards for each such unit of measurement required for use in that country, where not already available ; and " (b) To introduce suitable procedure whereby all such standards shall be periodically compared with the corresponding standards at the Board of Trade or at the National Physical Laboratory : " (iii) At least one member of the Commonwealth should undertake research work with the object of enabling the fundamental standards to be referred ultimately to natural standards, such as the wave-length of light. It would be a great advantage if it were possible for research work of this character to be carried out independently by more than one member." XV. COMMUNICATIONS (OTHER THAN TRANSPORT). Certain questions relating to Imperial communications (other than transport) were referred to a committee under the chairmanship of the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes, M.P., Prime Minister of New Zealand. The committee considered the possibility of establishing an Empire broadcasting service, and, at the instance of the committee, the Conference adopted the following resolution : — " The Conference has examined the question of the establishment of an Empire broadcasting service and considers that such a service, organized and conducted on sound lines, would be greatly appreciated by many persons in the Dominions, in India, and in the colonies, and would strengthen the ties between various parts of the British Commonwealth. It should also tend to stimulate trade and commerce within the Commonwealth. " The Conference welcomes the action of the British Broadcasting Corporation in carrying out experimental work in connection with Empire broadcasting, and in submitting proposals for a permanent and extended service from a new station in the United Kingdom. " The Conference recognizes the technical and financial difficulties of the scheme, and feels that further information is required to determine whether they can be overcome. It recommends, as a first step, that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom should suggest to the British Broadcasting Corporation that that body should communicate particulars of the scheme to the broadcasting organizations or other appropriate authorities throughout the Empire, and should invite them to furnish their views (after any necessary consultation with their respective Governments) as to the value to them of such a service and as to their readiness to make a contribution towards its cost in return for the right to relay any part of the service which they may require. " In conjunction with these proposals for a regular service, the Conference recognizes the desirability of encouraging broadcasting organizations in the various parts of the Commonwealth to arrange for the reciprocal broadcasting of programmes and events of special interest in any cases where suitable means of long-distance transmission may be available."'

5—A. 6.

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