§ 56. Major HUNTasked whether the Ministers who are to attend the Economic Congress in Paris have instructions to insist on the necessity for preferential trading within the British Empire, and also to insist on the exclusion of Germany and Austria from any trading with any part of the British Empire after the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot add anything to what I have already stated in the House on this subject.
§ Major HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of our Oversea Empire will be very much depressed and disappointed that the right hon. Gentle- 2708 man can give no definite answer? Shall we not be, as usual, too late again if it is not settled now?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThey will be represented.
§ 108. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Conference in Paris on the commericial relations of the Allies is likely to be held during the present year; whether he can state the reason of the latest postponement to 26th June; and whether he has been asked by any of the Allied Governments for any indication of the policy of the Government of Great Britain?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThere has been some difficulty in settling a date which would be convenient for all the Allied Powers, but the Conference has now been definitely fixed for the 14th June. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.