HC Deb 27 July 1944 vol 402 cc891-2
57. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the full text of the agreement reached at the Bretton Woods Conference will be published in a White Paper in time for Mem- bers before the House rises for the summer recess.

Sir J. Anderson

The full texts of the documents resulting from the Bretton Woods Conference are on their way to this country and will be published in a White Paper as soon as possible after their arrival. I hope this will enable the White Paper to be published before the House rises, but I cannot, of course, be certain that the documents will arrive in time.

Mr. Shinwell

If any difficulty should arise in providing Members with the text of this Agreement before the Recess, will the Government make arrangements so that Members can receive the document immediately it is published, in view of its importance and in order to prevent anything in the nature of a fait accompli?

Sir J. Anderson

I would certainly wish to meet the convenience of hon. Members in that way. I am not sure whether there is not the technical point if the paper is to be published as a White Paper, but I will look into it.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

When the White Paper is published will the House have an opportunity of debating its contents?

Sir J. Anderson

My hon. Friend knows that that question should not be addressed to me.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Chancellor quite satisfied that the publication of this agreement as a White Paper will not be taken to infer that the agreement reached by the experts is approved, either by thte Government or by this House?

Sir J. Anderson

I should not have thought that that could possibly arise.