§ 7. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the purpose and objectives of his forthcoming visit, accompanied by the Foreign Secretary, to the United States of America.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy right hon. Friends are visiting Washington for an informal and exploratory exchange of views with members of the new Administration on the matters discussed at the recent Commonwealth Conference.
§ Mr. LewisAre we to take it that it is now becoming a custom to have informal talks without any report being made to this House? Can we have an assurance that, in view of the Prime Minister's recent visit, we will, in fact, get a report of what has happened during the negotiations when the Chancellor returns?
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not think I can add anything to my answer or accept the implications in the hon. Member's supplementary question.
§ Mr. LewisCannot the Minister say definitely that we shall get a report in view of the fact that State money will be expended on this visit? Surely we are entitled to have a report as to what transpired.
§ Mr. MaudlingAs I said in my answer, this will be an exploratory exchange of 1443 views. I would suggest to the hon. Member that he puts down a Question to my right hon. Friend at a later date.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the fact that we have not seriously been told anything about the Commonwealth Conference, could we be assured that nevertheless United States Ministers will be fully informed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. MaudlingUnfortunately I was unable to be present at the debate on the Conference, but my reading of the debate led me to the conclusion that much had been explained about it.