HC Deb 11 February 1954 vol 523 cc1356-7
39. Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far the creation of some permanent machinery for economic co-operation within the Commonwealth was discussed at the recent meeting at Sydney.

Mr. Maudling

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) on 4th February.

Mr. Grimond

Is there not some machinery for following up the decisions made at the Conference—for instance, those on capital development? If so, what is that machinery? I am not asking for a secretariat, but there must be some machinery.

Mr. Maudling

I can assure the hon. Gentleman, on this very important point, that there is a highly developed machinery for following up the conclusions of the Commonwealth Conference. The addition of new machinery might obstruct, rather than enhance, the rate of progress.

Mr. Beswick

If there is such machinery, why did it not discuss the Japanese Trade Agreement? Has it not discussed anything about the surplus wheat in Australia?

Mr. Maudling

Every relevant matter was discussed. As far as the Japanese Trade Agreement is concerned, I am sure that any discussion would have borne out the decision which the House reached yesterday.

Mr. Gaitskell

Would the hon. Gentleman not tell us a little more about this machinery? Is there some new committee which has been set up in London or is he referring simply to the Commonwealth Liaison Committee? At what sort of level are the people who attend these committee meetings?

Mr. Maudling

The Question referred to permanent machinery for economic co operation. I think the right hon. Gentleman is perhaps better aware than anyone in the House that the machinery for economic co-operation between the countries of the sterling area, through the normal channels, is extremely highly developed.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have several times expressed the view that I thought there ought to be more machinery than existed, at any rate, two years ago, and that I have repeatedly asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Treasury Ministers what has been done about this? I am seeking some further information on the point. Will the hon. Gentleman tell me?

Mr. Maudling

The present Government are more concerned with action than with machinery.