40. General GROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution sent by the British Empire Producers' Organisation to His Majesty's Government urging the desirability of co-operation between the Government and the United States for the immediate purchase of raw materials necessary for industry during the period of reconstruction; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of the best methods of securing command of essential raw materials produced within the Empire with a view to safeguarding the industries of the Empire and the Allies during the reconstruction period has been considered by the Imperial War Conference now sitting, which has arrived at important decisions thereon. I hope that these decisions will in due course form the basis of discussions with our Allies and will lead to that co-operation which the hon. and gallant Member desires.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTWill the decisions arrived at by the Imperial War Conference be published?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot give an answer to that. I am not acquainted exactly with what is being done.
§ Mr. D. MASONWill those decisions be submitted to the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is a question which I have already answered.