§ 3. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to instruct its representative at the next meeting of the Council of the League of Nations to support the recommendation of the Economic Consultative Committee that the economic organisation of the League of Nations be authorised to inquire into the coal problem?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe Council of the League of Nations decided at their meeting on the 9th of June to refer to the Economic Committee, for gradual study and action, the Consultative Committee's recommendations as to commerce, agriculture and industry, including those relating to the examination of the coal and sugar questions. In these circumstances no further instructions are required at present.
§ Mr. WELLOCKCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is meant exactly by "gradual study and action"? Considering the parlous state of the coal industry and the necessity for international action, is it not possible to get the coal question expedited?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINDifference of opinion made itself visible in the Council as to whether coal and sugar were proper subjects to be included. The Council finally decided that these quesions should be further examined by the Committee. 1355 Personally, I thought that coal was rather an urgent matter, and I expressed that opinion.
§ Mr. WELLOCKWas it not the case that the Consultative Committee decided unanimously that this matter should be taken up, including the representatives of the masters in this country?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe Consultative Committee cannot dictate to the Council; neither can I.