HC Deb 09 June 1937 vol 324 c1758
60. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the question of an Anglo-American commercial agreement is under consideration at the Imperial Conference; and, if so, whether in view of the urgent necessity of effective economic co-operation between this country and the United States, an announcement of any decisions reached will be made before the conclusion of the conference?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Harting-ton)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade made in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell) yesterday, to which there is nothing to add.

61. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the premature disclosures in certain organs of the Dominions Press of confidential information regarding the proposals of the United States Government for a commercial agreement with this country; and whether he can give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will do everything in their power to prevent these disclosures from affecting prejudicially the forthcoming negotiations?

Marquess of Hartington

I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government will do anything in their power to prevent any harm of the kind which he suggests, though I am not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of his question.