HC Deb 13 April 1943 vol 388 c1047
45. Mr. Liddall

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the formation of a Council of the British Empire, composed of representatives of this country, of the Dominions, of India, and of the Colonial Empire, which shall have, as a first step, under its own direction the economic and commercial policy of the British Empire as a whole, so as to ensure that after the war, employment, industry, and commerce may be increased and developed?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

It is, of course, the established policy to maintain the closest co-operation and contact with the Governments of the Empire on all economic questions of common concern. Having regard, however, to the responsibility which must rest with the respective Governments and Parliaments, a centralized executive body such as that suggested would not be practicable.