§ Mr. ATTLEE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make as to the proposed International Economic Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)It will be remembered that the Lausanne Conference invited the League of Nations to convene a World Conference on Monetary and Economic questions. The League of Nations have decided that the Conference shall meet in London and that invitations shall he issued to all countries including the members of the League of Nations, the United States of America, the Soviet Union and Egypt. The Preparatory Commission of Experts which is to make a preliminary examination of the questions which will be submitted to the World Conference will meet on 31st October, and the date for the meeting of the Conference will be decided later after the Preparatory Commission of Experts has begun its work.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the invitation be extended to nations members of the League who have not paid their contributions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is not for me to decide. That is for the League of Nations itself.
§ Mr. HANNONSurely the Prime Minister might tell the House who is to decide whether members of the League are to take part in the World Economic Conference without having paid their contributions to the League of Nations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member wishes to know my own opinion, it is that I would welcome every one to be there who possibly can be there.
§ Mr. O'CONNORDo the restrictions upon the subjects to be discussed previously laid down by the United States still hold good?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo far as I know at the moment, that is so, but do not let us have any misunderstanding about the scope of those restrictions. It is a very much misunderstood matter.