HC Deb 09 March 1938 vol 332 c1862
3. Mr. Mathers

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the invitation to His Majesty's Government by the Secretary-General of the League of Nations to submit observations regarding the principles formulated by the economic committee in connection with commercial access to raw materials, he will say what steps he is taking to give a considered reply to this question?

Mr. Butler

The reply to be returned to the Secretary-General is under consideration. His Majesty's Government are in general agreement with the principles formulated by the committee with which, in fact, their policy generally conforms. It would be necessary to know the views of the other Governments concerned before deciding whether the time is ripe for international action in the matter.

Mr. Mathers

Can we depend upon the British Government taking prompt action in this matter in order that there may be no delay?

Mr. Butler

I have stated that our policy is in general on the lines that the committee has in mind, and we shall certainly do our best to carry it out.