HC Deb 18 May 1933 vol 278 cc519-21
47. Mr. LEVY

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the constitution of the British delegation to the World Economic Conference; and whether the Conference will sit continuously until it has completed its work or adjourn, if its task is incomplete, to enable delegates to attend the League Assembly in September?

The PRIME MINISTER

The composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Monetary and Economic Conference will be as follows:

  • The Prime Minister.
  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
  • The Secretary of State for War.
  • The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
  • The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.
  • The Secretary of State for the Colonies.
  • The President of the Board of Trade.
  • The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
As President of the Conference, I shall be unable to attend regularly the meetings of the United Kingdom Delegation and the Chancellor of the Exchequer will, therefore, act as Leader of the Delegation. As regards the second part of the question, this, of course, is for the Conference itself to decide.

Mr. LEVY

Will this House have an opportunity of considering the British case, which I understand the sub-Committee of the Cabinet is said to be preparing, before it is submitted to the Conference?

The PRIME MINISTER

That was dealt with in the course of the Debate in the House.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what are the preoccupations that prevent him from attending the meetings of the Delegation while permitting the Chancellor of the Exchequer to do so?

The PRIME MINISTER

The preoccupations which would prevent me from attending to the details of the British Delegation's work are the Chairmanship of the Conference and the tremendous amount of control that has to be exercised.

Mr. LEVY

Will my right hon. Friend answer my question?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making a statement which would declare the main points of the policy which the British Government are going to put forward at the Economic Conference?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.

53. Mr. HALL-CALNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the complaints by British commercial interests that they were not consulted in the conclusion of the recent trade agreements and in order to avoid similar complaints in connection with the proceedings at the World Economic Conference, he will undertake that if and when commercial interests are discussed those industries affected shall he consulted at an early stage of the discussions?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It is expected that the discussions at the Conference will turn mainly on broad questions of economic policy, and it is not possible to give an undertaking that there will be consultation with particular trade interests on every question which may affect them. His Majesty's Government intend, however, to make such arrangements as will enable them to keep in close touch with industrial and commercial opinion.

63. Mr. PIKE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the estimated cost of the arrangement of accommodartion for the World Economic Conference now being carried out at the Geological Museum by his Department; and whether the total expenditure is to fall upon Great Britain?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

His Majesty's Government are only bEarlng the extra cost of holding the Conference in London instead of at Geneva. An estimate for this purpose of £18,500 has been included in the Foreign Office Vote for 1933–34 and the cost of adapting the new Geological Museum building for the Monetary and Economic Conference is estimated at £7,500.

Mr. PIKE

In view of the fact that it is estimated that all nations represented at the World Economic Conference will derive some benefit as a result of the deliberations, is there any reason why Great Britain should bear the whole of this cost?

Sir J. SIMON

I have already explained that this country does not bear the whole of the cost, but it is bEarlng the extra cost over what would have been incurred if the conference had been held in Geneva. It is in the interests of this country and to the satisfaction of most citizens of the country that the conference should be held here.

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