asked the Prime Minister whether the invitations have been issued for the Imperial Conference; what subjects have been notified for discussion by any of the parties to the Conference; and whether the Irish Free State will be represented?

I hope that it may be found generally convenient to hold a meeting of the Imperial Conference next year, but no invitations have yet been issued, and the date of meeting must, I think, depend partly on whether it is decided to hold an Imperial Economic Conference distinct from, and in advance of, the Imperial Conference. The second part of the question does not arise at present, but, as to the third, an invitation, when the time comes, will be extended to the Irish Free State.

Has the right hon. Gentleman, observed a paragraph in the newspapers to-day on behalf of the Chief Whip at Portsmouth, to the effect that the invitations were to go out next week?

I have seen that they had gone already.