§ 70. Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonics whether any of the Dominions who agreed at the recent Economic. Conference to form an economic committee to consider and advise upon matters of an economic and commercial character which these Governments may agree to refer to it have suggested to him the abandonment of the committtee; and, if not, why he proposes to abandon the formation of the committee?
Mr. THOMASThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would refer the right hon. Member to the answers which I gave to the hon. Member for Dumfries (Dr. Chapple) on 25th February. I do not think that I can at present usefully add anything to those answers.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIn view of the fact that none of the Dominion Governments who consented to this proposal have since indicated that they are opposed to it, will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with those Governments before deciding what recommendation he will make to the House?
Mr. THOMASAs I have already intimated, an opportunity will be given to the House of discussing the whole question, and any arguments bearing upon the case can then be considered.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am sorry to press the right hon. Gentleman, but this is a very important matter. Will the right hon. Gentleman obtain from those Dominion Governments who agreed to this proposal, and one of whom actually made the proposal, a statement as to whether they wish to continue it before we discuss the matter in this House?
Mr. THOMASThe Government have given effect to the promise that all matters affecting the Dominions will be communicated to the Dominions before they are communicated to this House. It was done in this particular case, and obviously it would be for them to communicate with us.