§ 24. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he now proposes in order to give further consideration to the United Kingdom's attitude to the Schuman Plan Treaty; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have nothing to add to the reply given on 24th April to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu).
§ Colonel HutchisonThat reply, however, left a gap. Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Treaty, when ratified, will be made available to Members of the House, whether he proposes that there should be a debate on this important subject, and whether the Commonwealth is in any way concerned in this matter and is being consulted?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is not our Treaty. I should think it quite likely that the Powers concerned may well publish it, but I do not think it is for us to do so. The Government are studying the plan, and at some time we shall no doubt be willing to make our position plain upon it; but it will take a little time to study its terms and to make up our minds as to what our position should be.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingDoes the plan include control of scrap from Western Europe? If so, will that not seriously affect our steel production during the coming year?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a brave effort, but it is not too relevant to this particular point.
§ Mr. PatonIn view of the importance of this Treaty and recognising that it is not the responsibility of the Government to publish such a Treaty, could not my right hon. Friend secure several copies to be placed in the Library for the information of Members who are interested?
§ Mr. MorrisonI shall consider that, but I should have thought that in the first instance it was for the other Powers to consider publication. I do not know that we ought to jump in front of them, but if it is published I will certainly bear in mind the point raised by my hon. Friend.