HC Deb 15 May 1952 vol 500 cc1599-600
2. Mrs. Barbara Castle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is intended to hold the next Commonwealth Finance Conference.

Sir A. Salter

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. G. Jeger) on 8th April.

Mrs. Castle

Since the import restrictions imposed as a result of the last Conference have seriously increased unemployment in this country, is it not time that the Conference was recalled to discuss a more positive solution of Commonwealth difficulties?

Sir A. Salter

There are many forms of communication between the Commonwealth countries and this country, apart from an actual Commonwealth Finance Ministers' Conference which it is not easy to convene at short intervals in view of the engagements of the different Finance Ministers.

Mr. Ralph Assheton

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the immense importance to the Lancashire textile trade of our Colonial markets and of doing everything we can to increase our exports to our Colonies?

Sir A. Salter

Yes, Sir. Special interest is attached to the Australian action, and the House will be aware that the Prime Minister of Australia is expected in this country very shortly.

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Australia's import cuts are discriminating particularly severely against textiles while Australia is retaining many imports of capital goods which we could easily dispose of in hard currency areas? Ought not an immediate adjustment to be made to help Lancashire?

Sir A. Salter

All questions of this kind will undoubtedly be discussed with the Prime Minister of Australia when he arrives this month.