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1926. NEW ZEALAND

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. STATEMENT MADE BY THE PRIME MINISTER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE 17th AUGUST IN REFERENCE TO THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE FORTHCOMING IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Ordered, to lie upon the Table, and to be printed.

STATEMENT. With regard to the Imperial Conference, I desire to say that the opening of the Imperial Conference has now been definitely fixed for the 19th October, and I desire to take the opportunity of placing before the House the information at present available as to the matters that will probably be the subject of discussion at the Conference. In addition to various questions of defence and of foreign and inter-Imperial relations, the subjects at present listed are as follows : — 1. Oversea settlement (ct.) The establishment of closer relations with Dominion Governments, and the adoption of further measures for the encouragement of oversea settlement. (b.) The standardization of schemes of social insurance, including the effect of such schemes on migration. (c.) Workmen's compensation in so far as it affects migration, including the question of reciprocal arrangements for the administration of awards. » 2. Inter-Imperial trade : — (a.) A general review of inter-Imperial trade, present and future. (b.) Discussion of the work of the Imperial Economic Committee and the position of the Empire Marketing Board. (c.) The valuation fo Customs-duty purposes of goods which have received a drawback of Customs or excise duties on exportation from another part of the Empire. (id.) The area of taxation in the case of non-resident traders. (e.) Industrial standardization and its bearing on trade development. (/.) The General Economic Conference called by the League of Nations. 3. Communications : — (a.) The progress report of the Imperial Shipping Committee. (b.) Economic defence in matters of flag discrimination. (c.) The question of adherence to the Brussels Maritime Conventions providing' for a uniform law relating to —(1) Bills of lading ; (2) the liability of shipowners ; (3) the immunity of State-owned vessels from legal proceedings ; and (4) maritime mortgages and liens. (d.) Commercial air services. (e.) Inter-Empire passports. (/.) Wireless telegraphy and telephony. 4. Research and development:— (a.) Co-operation in research generally. (b.) Co-operation in agricultural research. (c.) The Imperial Institute. (d.) Forestry. (e.) Cotton-growing.