§ 46. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Prime Minister why the Dominions have not been consulted in regard to the terms of the Economic Co-operation Agreement; and whether any representations have been received from them in this connection.
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of formal consultation does not arise, as the other Governments of the Commonwealth were not parties to the Agreement. In accordance with established practice, Commonwealth Governments were kept closely and continuously informed on developments in connection with the negotiation of the Economic Co-operation Agreement, and thus had opportunity to express their views. No representations have been received from any of the Commonwealth Governments.
§ Mr. ChamberlainDoes not the Prime Minister agree that this matter is certain to be of vital concern to all the Dominions; and is it not strange that since this Agreement is a reproduction of Section 115 of the American Act, there were not direct consultations in the intervening three months?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already pointed out to the hon. Member that they were kept closely informed. Consultation is a different matter. The fact is, they were not directly concerned in this particular Agreement.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingDid any Dominion express any objection to the terms of this Economic Co-operation Agreement?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, no representations were made.