§ 28. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the widespread desire in this country for an improvement in international relations, he will invite the opinion of the President of the United States of America as to the holding of a world conference, or of commissions leading up to such a conference, to discuss the redress of grievances and the promotion of international economic organisation?
§ Viscount CranborneAs was stated by the Prime Minister on 22nd April, in reply to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson), His Majesty's Government consider that, before any steps were taken to summon a further World Conference, thorough and comprehensive investigation would be required in order to ascertain that there is a prospect of success. His Majesty's Government and the French Government have recently invited the Prime Minister of Belgium to undertake informal inquiries as to the possibility of securing a general relaxation of the obstacles to international trade. M. van Zeeland was good enough to accept this invitation, and His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the results of his investigations should be awaited before the question of summoning a World Conference is considered.
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the prominence given to this subject by a Member of this House, are His Majesty's Government taking any initiative with regard to investigating this subject by way of preparatory commissions?
§ Viscount CranborneWe had better wait and see what M. van Zeeland achieves first. It is no good proceeding on two conflicting lines at the same time.
§ Mr. A. HendersonAre any other investigations taking place apart from that of M. van Zeeland, which I understand are restricted to trade matters?
§ Viscount CranborneThis question is very largely restricted to trade matters.