§ 31. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps will be taken when establishing an advisory panel representative of rubber manufacturers to advise the international committee which is to control the rubber regulation scheme, to ensure the fulfilment of the condition laid down by the World Economic Conference that the willing co-operation of consuming interests must be secured in the working of the scheme?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe consuming interests will themselves be invited to nominate the advisory panel.
Captain CAZALETHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations yet from the United States of America?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWe have had a great deal of discussion with the United States of America long before the present discussions started.
§ 82. Mr. BANFIELDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the scheme for rubber regulation is adequately designed to secure a reasonable price level of the commodity; what is to be the pivotal price which the scheme aims at maintaining; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing a clause into the scheme to provide that, should the price exceed a certain limit, it will be possible to reconsider the whole question?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am satisfied that the scheme is adequately designed to secure a reasonable price level. It does not aim at maintaining any pivotal price. I do not think it would be advisable to introduce the clause suggested?
§ Mr. BANFIELDWhat does the right hon. Gentleman consider to be a reasonable price?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is impossible to say, unless the hon. Gentleman will tell me exactly what are going to be the world conditions and the general level of prices and of costs throughout the coming years.
§ 34. Mr. HAMILTON KERRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any members of the International Rubber Regulation Committee will actually be appointed by the British Government; and, if not, whether any alternative steps will be taken to ensure that the interests of British industry which requires rubber for its activities are represented by any members thereof?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend will be aware from previous replies that a panel representing consuming interests will be associated with the committee. His Majesty's Government have assumed that one of the members of the panel will represent the interests of the British industry.
§ 35. Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give details of the provision contained in the rubber regulation scheme for associating representatives of consumers 721 with the International Committee; and whether he will issue a full explanatory statement?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have already stated, in reply to questions, the general terms of this provision; and I will send the hon. Member a copy of the relevant provisions in the agreement which has now been published.
§ 36. Mr. GROVESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the proposed rubber regulation scheme, he will request the Governments of Malaya and Ceylon, in appointing their representatives on the International Rubber Regulation Committee, to appoint some members representative of consuming interests in order to ensure that the scheme shall operate harmoniously and to the best interests of all concerned?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. Other provision is expressly made in the scheme for the representation of the interests of consumers.