HC Deb 03 July 1933 vol 280 cc21-2
45. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Prime Minister when the British delegation for discussion of the American War Debt will leave; and whether the instructions to such delegation will, prior to its departure, be laid before this House?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

I am not yet in a position to make any statement in reply to the first part of the question. In reply to the second part of the question, the policy of this country is wellknown, and the procedure suggested would, in my opinion, be unprecedented and undesirable.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the House of Commons to have no voice whatever in the matter? Is the delegation to go without any instructions from the House?

Mr. BALDWIN

I certainly think such procedure would be unprecedented. I can recall no similar case where instructions to delegates have been laid before the House.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman recall any case where Great Britain owed any other country anything?

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider making a statement on Wednesday in order that the general principle of payment can be discussed? Will he not take the House into his confidence, as it may be the only opportunity before the House adjourns.

Mr. BALDWIN

I do not know that that would fall to the Lord President. The hon. Member is at perfect liberty to discuss the matter provided it falls within the Rules of the House, and I have no doubt that if the matter was raised, the Foreign Secretary would be in a position to say something about it.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing some Press Lords on the committee?