§ 46. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolutions sent to him from various organisations in the country urging His Majesty's Government to take the initiative in calling a world conference to discuss the problems of disarmament, the removal of economic barriers, and the international administration of areas whose inhabitants are too backward to be capable of self-government; and whether, in view of the growing body of opinion in the country favourable to this proposal, he will take the necessary steps to prepare for the convening of such a conference?
§ The Prime MinisterIn the opinion of His Majesty's Government it is undesirable to consider the calling of world conferences on such subjects as those mentioned in the question without such thorough investigation beforehand as would indicate that there was a reasonable prospect of success. As regards the removal of economic barriers, the hon. Member will be aware that M. Van Zeeland is at the moment engaged on an inquiry into the possibility of reducing international trade restrictions; until the results of this inquiry are made known it would be premature to consider the possibility of a world conference on the subject.
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the fact that the economic expert appointed by 27 M. Van Zeeland has visited several of the most important countries, when are we likely to have some interim report about this economic inquiry?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not suppose that there will be any interim report until M. Van Zeeland is in a position to say what the result of his inquiries has been.