HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 c864
69. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the implications of the French Government proposals to pool French and German steel and coal production; and at what time he was first informed of these proposals.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The text of the French proposals did not reach my right hon. Friend until the afternoon of 9th May, and he had no previous information on them. The implications of the French proposals are at present being studied in detail. I would also refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 11th May.

Mr. Harold Davies

Will my hon. Friend keep in mind the fact that many of us are worried because the representation of the trade unions might not be strong enough on this organisation; and secondly, if the hypothesis is that the "cold" war is to continue, then this cartel merely means that coal and steel are to be the centre of power politics?

Mr. Ernest Davies

My hon. Friend is, I think, making certain assumptions which it is far too early to accept.