HC Deb 13 May 1918 vol 106 cc30-1
48. Sir E. CARSON

asked the Prime Minister when His Majesty's Government will make a statement of the progress made amongst the Allies in carrying out the policy agreed to in the Paris Resolutions?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is intended to make a general statement on this subject either before the reintroduction of the Imports and Exports Bill or at the time when it is reintroduced.

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Is not the position with regard to this subject entirely altered by the entrance of America into the War, and by the fact that America has never given her approval to the Paris Conference Resolutions, and never will?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know on what ground the hon. Member prophesies what America will or will not do. So far as this Government is concerned, our policy is not changed.

Sir E. CARSON

Is it not the fact that America is very anxious for united economic control?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have every reason to believe so, and, of course, as my right hon. Friend knows, any useful action of this kind will be much more effective in conjunction with our Allies.

Mr. WHYTE

Are we to regard the policy of the Paris Resolutions as an absolute policy or contingent upon the nature of the peace that is made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is rather a complicated question, of which I should require notice.

Mr. WHYTE

No, Sir; it is very simple.