HC Deb 08 February 1938 vol 331 cc824-5
51. Mr. De Chair

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House any account of the positive measures now being taken by the Swedish Government in a time of prosperity to safeguard against the possibilities of another slump, instead of waiting to make hasty improvisations should an emergency situation arise?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Viscount Cranborne)

I have been asked to reply. I have seen it stated in the Press that the Swedish Government intend to put forward proposals for this purpose before the Riksdag, and His Majesty's Minister at Stockholm is being instructed to furnish a report as soon as such proposals are made public.

Mr. Shinwell

Will this report be made available to Members of Parliament?

Viscount Cranborne

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the answer to the next question.

52. Mr. De Chair

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will have a copy of the report of the committee of five, set up by the Swedish Government, on measures necessary to safeguard against a slump, made available to Members in a translation at the Vote Office?

Viscount Cranborne

I have been asked to reply. I have not yet seen the report of the committee, but if it is the desire of the House my right hon. Friend will certainly consider the possibility of making it available to Members as soon as the text is received.

Mr. De Chair

Will this report be available in the Vote Office, because this is the first time a mission has been set up to investigate this matter, and it would be of great advantage?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Noble Lord consider sending qualified experts to Sweden to discuss this matter with the Swedish Government to see how far their practice may be valuable here?