HC Deb 14 April 1948 vol 449 cc958-9
22. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made towards the creation of the Consultative Council, as foreshadowed in Article VII of the Treaty of Economic, Social and Cultural Collaboration and Collective Self-Defence between Great Britain, Belgium, France, Luxem-bourgh and the Netherlands.

Mr. Bevin

Since 17th March when the five Foreign Ministers held two meetings, their Deputies have met twice in Brussels, and the Foreign Ministers themselves will take the opportunity offered by the Committee for European Economic Cooperation Conference in Paris on 17th April to have a further meeting.

Major Beamish

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Consultative Council will be fully operative?

Mr. Bevin

I have not discussed this; there are lots of things going on at the present moment.