85. Mr. Norman Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, towards the creation of the International Trade Organisation of the United Nations, described in Cmd. 6709.
§ Mr. MarquandThe Economic and Social Council of the United Nations has decided to call an International Conference on Trade and Employment and has constituted a Preparatory Committee to elaborate an annotated draft agenda. It has also suggested the inclusion in the Preparatory Committee's agenda of the main subject headings covered in the American proposals which were published in Command Paper 6709, including the establishment of an International Trade Organisation.
Mr. SmithIs my hon. Friend aware of the deep feeling in all parts of the House on this matter, and does he not agree that the House ought to debate the subject before the Conference gets going?
§ Mr. MarquandThe question of a Debate is not for me.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan my hon. Friend say when the Conference is to take place?
§ Mr. MarquandNo, Sir.