HC Deb 27 March 1930 vol 237 cc597-8
45. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to place the subject of Empire economic unity on the agenda of the Imperial Economic Conference?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)

I am unable to make any statement regarding the economic agenda for the Imperial Conference which, as explained by the Prime Minister in his reply to the hon. Member for Willesden East (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 25th March, is now under discussion between the Governments.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that an enormous amount of interest is taken in this question oversea as well as in this country, that this subject may be placed upon the agenda?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I do not very clearly understand what the hon. Member means by "economic unity," but, if he is thinking about the Empire Protectionist stunt, I can go so far as to say that he may be assured we shall not place that subject on the agenda.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Are there not good precedents for a very full statement being made by the Government to Parliament, well in advance of the meeting of the Imperial Conference, as to the scope and character of its work, and will not the right hon. Gentleman follow the precedents and let us know when we may expect a full statement from his Government?

Mr. SNOWDEN

It wants about five months before the Conference will meet, and surely the right hon. Gentleman is asking at a very early stage for a statement about the agenda of the Conference to be made to Parliament. If he is correct in saying that there are precedents to this effect, then I am quite sure the Prime Minister will try and follow those precedents.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention—[HON. MEMBERS: "No"] May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how he interprets the word "stunt," which he used in his reply?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is quite impossible.

Mr. HARRIS

Did not the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) lock, bolt, and bar the door on this subject many years ago?

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