HC Deb 30 May 1918 vol 106 cc968-9
54. Sir EDWARD CARSON

asked the Prime Minister when the Imports and Exports Bill will be reintroduced; and when it is proposed to make the promised statement as to the progress made by the Allies in carrying out the policy agreed to in the Resolution of the Paris Economic Conference?

55. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister if the Government have been able to give consideration to the recommendations of the Report of the Lord Balfour of Burleigh Committee; and whether all action in regard to giving effect to some of the principal Resolutions of the Paris Economic Conference is delayed pending their coming to a decision thereon?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Owing to the pressure of other business, I cannot yet name a date for. the reintroduction of this Bill, but it is intended to make a general statement either before the Bill is reintroduced or on its reintroduction.

Sir E. CARSON

Does my right hon. Friend recollect how long it is since he first made a promise to this effect?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it is very long, but my right hon. Friend will recognise that there is a great deal of business that is pressing to be done before this can be taken.

Mr. WHYTE

Will the War Cabinet take into consideration the advisability of issuing a statement that the economic weapon is to be used for obtaining sound conditions of peace but is not to be used for prolonging the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That subject must obviously be dealt with in the statement when it is made.

Mr. HOLT

Is the statement to be made soon?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes