HC Deb 15 February 1951 vol 484 cc598-9
26. Mr. Edelman

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what purpose he has convened an international conference on rubber.

88. Mr. Gammans

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the conference on rubber which is being held in London; what is the object of the conference; and what part is being played by representatives of British territories in South-East Asia.

Mr. H. Wilson

The purpose of the Conference, as was stated in the communique issued after the opening session, is to review the present and prospective supply-demand position of natural and synthetic rubber and to consider, in the light of the conclusions reached, whether any agreed recommendations for international action should be submitted to Governments, due regard being had to the interests both of the producers and of the consumers. The British Colonial and Dependent Territories, as important producers, are separately represented.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend, in the meantime, co-ordinate his rubber policy with that of the United States, introducing controls to resist the rubber sellers who are taking advantage of the nation's difficulties?

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman make certain that the work of the study group on rubber, which is of such value to everybody concerned, is in no way harmed by this session of the Conference?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, Sir. I am quite certain that this session will not so affect the work of the study group.

Mr. Gammans

How long is the Conference likely to last? Will its findings be made known?

Mr. Wilson

I have no idea how long it will last, nor can I have any views about what recommendations will be made to Governments. As soon as the Conference concludes I will see what can be said about it to the House.

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