HC Deb 18 June 1952 vol 502 cc1190-1
36. Mr. Albu

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what functions it is proposed shall be carried out by the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation during the coming months.

Mr. Eden

On the basis of the decisions so far taken by the Council, the main task of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation in the coming months will be to review and report on the economic position of member countries and their prospects in the period following the end of the European recovery programme last April. The report, which will also cover the United States and Canada, is expected later this year.

Special attention is being paid to the expansion of production and to internal financial stability, on which a group of independent experts will shortly report. The organisation will also endeavour to maintain, and if possible extend, measures taken for the liberalisation of trade, and will complete the agreement to continue the European Payments Union.

Mr. Albu

Can the Foreign Secretary tell us in what way the United States and Canadian Governments will be associated in the future with the work of the Organisation?

Mr. Eden

This report, which I hope will be available in the course of this year, covers a considerable period. It will also deal with the United States and Canada, but how they will be associated with the discussions is a matter yet to be examined.