HC Deb 09 March 1926 vol 192 cc2102-3
47. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Dominion as well as British preparations now proceeding for the Imperial Economic Conference, he will announce the decision of the Government as to the provision and allocation of the promised £1,000,000 grant to further the marketing of Empire produce in this country

Mr. McNEILL

I have been asked to answer this question on behalf of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, who is unavoidably absent. As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to a question on 1st March, His Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to make an announcement, as details of the arrangements proposed are under discussion with the Dominions, but they hope to do so shortly.

58. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, before announcing the original grant of £1,000,000 to assist in the marketing of Empire produce, he had considered how the money could be usefully expended; whether he can state whether, and how, it is to be expended; and whether he can assure the House that he will not propose any further similar grant until the Government has decided on the purposes to which it should be applied?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The grant was announced by the Prime Minister's speech of 17th December, 1924, after it had been approved in principle. Detailed proposals for expending it for the development of Empire trade and Empire marketing were naturally not drawn up at that date. The procedure appears to be quite reasonable, and indeed in the circumstances the only one practicable. In reply to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by the Secretary of State for the Dominions to the hon. Member for North Bradford.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Is it not a fact that this money was voted, and that it has taken 12 months for the Government to find out that there is no useful way in which it can be spent?

Captain A. EVANS

May I ask will this amount lapse at the end of the financial year, and is it liable to be surrendered to the Treasury?

Mr. CHURCHILL

These are questions which carry us far beyond the original question on the Paper.

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