HC Deb 17 March 1943 vol 387 cc1179-80
45. Mr. Cocks

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider moving for the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament, of which the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs should be a member, to inquire into the political and economic principles and problems of the international settlement at the end of the war and the organisation of world security, to hear the views of representatives of allied and neutral Powers and of the Dominions, to take evidence from Government departments and other authorities and organisations, and to prepare a Report for the information and guidance of the Government, Parliament and the people?

The Prime Minister

It is not proposed to adopt this expedient at the present time.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that the minds of Ministers are fully occupied in the war, would not such a Committee of both Houses, consisting of men eminent for their past services and of future promise, perform a useful service by making a preliminary survey of these difficult problems?

The Prime Minister

I think there would be two sides to the medal.