§ 2. Lord BALNIELasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs which Dominions have already handed in for consideration at the Imperial Conference the question of bulk purchases; and what commodities are affected?
Mr. THOMASAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Smethwick (Sir O. Mosley) on 30th June last, it is hoped before the end of the Session to give the House an outline of the agenda of the Imperial Conference both on the political and the economic sides.
§ Lord BALNIELIs it not possible to give an answer to my question?
Mr. THOMASThe Noble Lord knows that the agenda must be an agreed agenda. I said, in reply to previous questions, that we hoped to be able to give, before Friday next, a complete answer setting out the agreed agenda. I understand that arrangements are already made so that on Thursday of this week that answer, with the full details of the agenda, will be given.
§ Lord BALNIELIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on 16th July the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in this House that certain of the Dominions had handed in this question for the agenda; and is it not legitimate to ask which Dominions have done so?
Mr. THOMASI do not understand the grievance in this case. Previous Governments have always laid it down—and we are following in this case the precedent which has been set—that the agenda must be an agreed agenda. While it is true that certain Dominions have sent in requests, other Dominions are being consulted on the matter.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYWhat is the right hon. Gentleman's reason for not answering this question?
Mr. THOMASThe only reason is that the agenda on the Imperial and economic sides is long and complicated and that it would be much better to give to the House of Commons and the country the full agenda when agreement has been reached upon it.
§ Lord BALNIELAre we not as Members of Parliament entitled to get this information?