85

A.—s

Mr. DEAKIN : Certainly. At the present Conference the understanding is that the Prime Minister and one colleague would take part in each discussion, while on special matters when the occasion demands it, other Ministers might be asked to take part. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I have two of my colleagues here, and I should not like to come without either. CHAIRMAN : The business on Saturday is as to military defence. Mr. DEAKIN : We must conclude this first, and perhaps we might meet half an hour earlier to finish it before our appointment with Mr. Haldane at 11. CLIAIRMAN : I will inquire if it is necessary, and will let you know. I have been making inquiries of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is exceedingly busy just now with the Budget, and he informs me that he is obliged to go to Scotland one day at the beginning of next week, and therefore if it suits the Conference he would prefer to take a day in the following week for the discussion of the trade question. In that case he fixes Tuesday, April 30th, for preferential trade. The question, therefore, is what subjects we should take on Tuesday and Thursday next week. I believe the First Lord of the Admiralty is willing to come on Tuesday for the discussion of naval matters, and then the subject of emigration can be taken on Thursday. Adjourned to Saturday morning at 11 o'clock.

Third Day. 18 April 1907.

Future Constitution of the Conference. (Mr. Deakin.)