§ 42. Mr. MANDERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present position with regard to the World Economic Conference?
§ 40. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement as to the present position of the World Monetary and Economic Conference; if it is proposed to ask the delegates to reassemble; and, if so, on what date?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSince the Conference adjourned on 27th July, the development of the monetary and financial situation has not been such as to make it possible to resume the work on the questions which the Monetary and Financial Commission had before it, nor to make any substantial progress on the questions of tariffs, quotas, and commercial policy in general which were dealt with by the Economic Commission. There remained a number of questions on which the Conference felt that their work could and should be pursued. These included the international organisation of production in relation to various commodities (such as coal and copper), veterinary questions, and matters of Customs administration. The date of the re-assembly of the Conference and the organisation of the work to be carried out in preparation therefor is a matter for the Bureau of the Conference, which appointed an executive committee for this purpose. The position is being kept under review, but I am not in a position to make any definite statement on the matter at the present time.
§ Mr. MANDERCan the Chancellor of the Exchequer say whether the Geological Museum is still retained by the Government for future meetings of the Conference?