On 26 May 1931, Alexander Hunter Dickson, Harry Hale, Gilbert Henry, Ferdinand Charles Farrall and Theodore Pelloe were appointed Royal Commissioners to Inquire Into the Disabilities Affecting the Agricultural Industry and Westen Australia. The Royal Commission's terms of reference were:

1) To inquire into, investigate, and make recommendations upon any proposals brought before the Commissioners for the liquidation of farmers' debts, and, in particular, upon certain schemes for such purpose already submitted to the Government;

2) To inquire into the disabilities affecting the agricultural industry in Western Australia and, in particular, to report on the main causes affecting the cost of production, including interest charges, the burden of the Customs tariff, and all other factors; and

3) To make recommendations generally in respect of the matters investigated, including the recommendation of such legislation deemed necessary or expedient to carry into effect.

The report of the Royal Commission was submitted on 31 July 1931.