§ 46. Sir H. Williamsasked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for the publication of a White Paper setting forth the Government's plans for suppressing cartels, and whether these imply the withdrawal of their participation in 1696 an approval of the Rubber Restriction Scheme, the Tin Control Scheme, the denunciation of the Wheat Agreement, and a refusal to approve after the war any arrangement between the British iron and steel industry and the Western Europe iron and steel producers?
§ Mr. AttleeNo, Sir. The future of commodity control schemes which existed before the war is not a matter on which any pronouncement can be made at the present time. These and similar schemes, whether between Governments or between industries, must be and will be studied in connection with the international discussions foreshadowed in the Atlantic Charter and the Mutual Aid Agreement.
§ Sir H. WilliamsAm I to take it that when the right hon. Gentleman stated in a speech that cartels were to be suppressed, it was not a statement of policy but of opinion?
§ Mr. AttleeNo such statement was made.
§ Sir H. WilliamsBut it was in the right hon. Gentleman's own speech, on which I based the text of this Question.
§ Mr. AttleeI do not know what the hon. Gentleman is referring to. I made no such statement.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that the International Tin Committee have already drawn up post-war plans? Will he consult with the Minister of Production, who knows a great deal about this matter?
§ Mr. AttleeA great many post-war plans are being drawn up by a variety of people.
Mr. Graham WhiteWould my right hon. Friend look at the Tin Control Scheme which was recently passed by this House and satisfy himself, with his colleagues, that it is in conformity with the conditions of the Atlantic Charter?