HC Deb 18 May 1931 vol 252 cc1574-5
35. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any proposals from the French Government as to the line of action to be adopted in regard to the proposed Austro-German Customs Union?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)

I understand that the views of the French Government on this subject have been embodied in two memoranda, which are now being submitted to the Committee on European Union, at present in session at Geneva. Summaries of these documents have appeared in the Press.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Can the Under-Secretary say how soon full information on this subject will be available to the House?

Mr. DALTON

If the hon. Member desires to have some fuller accounts of the French Memoranda, he can obtain it very shortly. Summaries of it have already appeared in the Press. The discussions on the subject are likely to continue for some days to come at Geneva.

Earl WINTERTON

Is there to be a White Paper issued on the discussions of this very important Committee of the League of Nations?

Mr. DALTON

A White Paper is always published of the council meetings, and I will represent to my right hon. Friend the desire expressed for the issue of a White Paper on this question.

Earl WINTERTON

Will it be possible to do this as early as possible in view of the great interest taken in it by hon. Members?

Mr. DALTON

The earlier it is published, the greater the interest is likely to be.

Dr. MORRIS - JONES

Will the Under-Secretary tell the House how long the Government are going to say ditto to France in this matter?