HC Deb 26 January 1937 vol 319 c742
24. Mr. Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the proposals that have been formulated as a basis for discussion with the Dominion Governments on the subject of the report of the Imperial Shipping Committee?

Dr. Burgin

Until agreement has been reached with the Dominion Governments concerned as to the course of action to be taken on the report, I am not in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Lewis

If the proposals have been communicated to the Dominion Governments, why can they not be communicated to this House?

Dr. Burgin

Negotiations are in progress with those Dominion Governments, and during those negotiations it would be better to await a further stage before we communicate the result.

Mr. Alexander

May we take it that there will be no commitment to subsidies in advance?

Dr. Burgin

While negotiations are in progress, there are obviously no commitments.