HC Deb 22 March 1932 vol 263 cc844-6
5. Mr. ALEXANDER RAMSAY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is his attitude to the offers of assistance made by the joint committee of the Federation of British Industries, the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and the British Chamber of Shipping, appointed to consider questions of Empire economic policy with particular reference to the forthcoming Ottawa Conference; how many times he has met this committee; and to what extent he proposes to avail himself of its services?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

His Majesty's Government welcome the offer of assistance which has been made to them by the joint committee referred to by the hon. Member, and are availing themselves of it to the fullest possible extent. I and other members of the Government and our advisers have already met those associated with the work of the committee, and arrangements are being made for the committee and the Ministers and Government Departments concerned to remain in close touch with one another.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to state to the House the extent to which the co-operation between the monetary organisations and the Government will be established?

Mr. THOMAS

The co-operation is already established. I assume the hon. Member has in mind when I shall be in a position to announce the policy which has been taken on their advice. I hope to do that before the House rises for the Adjournment.

Mr. HANNON

The right hon. Gentleman has interpreted my supplementary question exactly.

6. Mr. RAMSAY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he proposes to include in the British delegation to the Ottawa. Conference representatives of British industrial and commercial organisations; and if such representatives will have the full status of delegates?

Mr. THOMAS

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. RAMSAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it will be impossible to get the best business men to do the work of this country at Ottawa if, when they get there, they are relegated to corridors and waiting rooms?

Mr. TH0MAS

The best business men are already in consultation with the Government, and they do not take the pessimistic view which is taken by the hon. Member. They know that they are being consulted with the genuine desire to get the benefit of their advice, and that their advice will not be ignored.

Mr. RAMSAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that I am not taking a pessimistic view, but that I am trying to get him to take an opimistic view, and a business one?

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the term "industrial organisations" includes representatives of trade unions?

Mr. THOMAS

In addition to meeting business representatives I have also met the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, and I look upon their assistance and co-operation as equally as valuable as that of the others.