§ 14. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has come to any decision upon the functions and scope of the Imperial Economic Committee; and whether he has made any selection of British representatives?
Mr. THOMASAfter careful consideration, His Majesty's Government have come to the conclusion, particularly in view of the fact that the Imperial Economic Conference itself did not reach unanimity on the subject, that a standing Economic Committee with general terms of reference would not really assist co-operation between the Governments. They feel that, in all the circumstances, they cannot support adoption of the recommendation.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEDoes that mean the Imperial Economic Committee recommended by the Imperial Conference is dropped?
§ Dr. CHAPPLEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has had any communications from the Dominions in this regard, and whether he is doing this after consultation with the Dominions?
Mr. THOMASThe supplementary question is, Did we get into touch with the Dominions? The obvious answer is that we have had no time following the questions to get in touch with anybody. I have given the answer, which was arrived at after full consideration of all the facts.
§ Earl WINTERTONAs a member of the Conference in question, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that 13 the decision to appoint the Committee was only come to after the most careful consideration, and does he not think this matter is covered by the pledge already given, I think, by the Prime Minister, that the whole of these matters would be subject to discussion in the House?
Mr. THOMASClearly the answer to the latter part of the question is, yes. It will come before the House of Commons. But, on the other hand, no one knows better than my right hon. Friend that Canada not only opposed, but gave very cogent reasons for their opposition, and that was in the mind of the Cabinet when they arrived at this decision.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEThen before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a final decision on this matter, will he communicate with the other Dominions and ascertain their views?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put down a further question.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand the Government have no objection to the setting up of ad hoc economic committees of an imperial character, and that it is merely the general committees, to which Canada objected, which they do not want to set up?
Mr. THOMASI should like notice of that, because it would be unfair to assume that the Government did not object to ad hoc committees. There are objections even to them. As I have already explained, there will be further discussion on the general question arising out of the Economic Conference.