HC Deb 13 February 1933 vol 274 cc616-8
45. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Prime Minister whether the forthcoming discussions at Washington will be confined to the question of debt payments?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

As has already been announced, we have agreed that concurrently with the discussions of war debts between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government, there should be a discussion of the world economic problems in which the two Governments are mutually interested. The object of the discussions will be to promote the revival of world trade and prosperity. While a settlement of war debts is an essential condition of such revival, we have always recognised that there are a number of other factors, economic as well as financial, which will also have to be dealt with, and we shall be glad to exchange views with the United States Government on the whole field.

Major NATHAN

Before any delegation leaves these shores for Washington, will this House have an opportunity of discussing the matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think it would be far better if that delegation, whatever it is or whoever it is—a matter which has not been decided—that it would be far better if this House had a report from it before it begins to take up positions that cannot be changed after discussion in this House.

Major NATHAN

Will the position be left in such a way by the delegation that this House will not be bound till after it has considered the report of the delegation?

The PRIME MINISTER

As I think the House can gather from what I have said, the purpose of the delegation is to get into close personal touch with the United States Government, so that we can go on harmoniously, I do not say of necessity by definite agreement, but so that we can go on harmoniously facing the Very big problems that will have to be faced by both Governments before we can come to terms.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will this House and the country have a general idea of what are the proposals that His Majesty's Government intend to ask the American Government to discuss?

The PRIME MINISTER

Well, the agenda that has been drawn up by the committee of experts in Geneva covers the field, and the subjects that will engage our attention are all included in that agenda.

Mr. LANSBURY

Yes, but on the question, the very important question, of war debts, will the House and the country have any idea of the sort of proposals His Majesty's Government are going to put to the American Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

Well, it has been said again and again that, so far as War debts are concerned, we want an agreement with America which will enable us to pursue our European policy.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us, in view of the importance of emigration as between the two countries, whether that subject will come up for discussion?

Mr. MORGAN JONES

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman's reply was to the effect that in any case no final engagement will be entered into in America before this House has had an opportunity of discussing it?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is very difficult, especially in answer to a supplementary question, to commit myself in these matters. Great mistakes have been made in days gone by, very largely out of well-intentioned answers to supplementary questions, and if there is any point of substance to be pursued, I should much prefer to have it on. the Paper.

Mr. LANSBURY

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made certain definite statements in regard to Government policy, and I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that this is probably the most important piece of work that the Government will undertake during the next few months. Surely the House and the country are entitled to ask for a clear statement from the right hon. Gentleman himself as to the broad lines of policy, in regard both to War debts and the other questions that have come under discussion—trade, tariffs, and so on.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

This seems to be developing into a Debate.

Mr. LANSBURY

But, very respectfully, may the right hon. Gentleman answer that question?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

If the right hon. Gentleman wishes to answer it, I will allow him to do so, but my impression is that the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition is only repeating a question that has already been answered.