HC Deb 30 January 1951 vol 483 cc728-9
66 and 67. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what international commodity groups have been set up in accordance with the proposals of the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and France; which of these groups are already functioning; and what action they have so far taken;

(2) what is the official title of the committee linking the proposed international commodity groups; and what is the competence of this body.

72. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in devising a scheme for the international control of raw materials vital for armaments.

Mr. Gaitskell

Discussions are proceeding with the United States and French Governments on the details of the scheme for the setting up of international commodity groups for some of the more important scarce materials. But I have at present nothing to add to the announcement made on 13th January by the Governments of the United Kingdom, U.S.A. and France.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend at least say what is the proposed structure of these groups and whether there will be governmental representation as well as representation of producers and consumers?

Mr. Gaitskell

It is, I think, contemplated that the representation in every case would be governmental.

Mr. Grimond

Will the Chancellor make it clear that the Commonwealth should be fully consulted?

Mr. Gaitskell

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. Mikardo

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether, in view of the action of the United States Army last week in making bids for the Argentine export surplus of meat as against our own bids, meat ought to be included as one of these commodities?

Mr. Gaitskell

These commodities are supposed to include raw materials, not foodstuffs.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

In making appointments to these groups, will the right hon. Gentleman consider having someone who has experience of the non-ferrous metal industries?

Mr. Gaitskell

Naturally, that will be considered.

68. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is the British representative on the committee linking the proposed international commodity groups and what are his qualifications.

Mr. Gaitskell

The United Kingdom representative on the Raw Materials Central Group to be established in Washington is Viscount Knollys. He is a man of wide experience both in public service and business.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the T.U.C., like the F.B.I., were consulted before this appointment was made, and will there be a representative of organised labour on this group?

Mr. Gaitskell

It is not our practice in matters of personal appointments to disclose who is consulted before such appointments are made.