§ 9. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the British Pottery Manufacturers Federation on the implications of a European common market.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir. The discussion was confidential.
§ Dr. StrossWould I, then, be out of order if I asked the President whether they showed any apprehensions as to the implications of such a common market; and can he at least promise us that, before any definite steps are taken, there will be further consultations, not only with the employers, but with the trade union concerned?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAlthough it is not for me to say, I do not think that the hon. Member is out of order in asking the Question, but I must repeat that the usefulness of these consultations is dependent on there being a free exchange of views, without either side publishing what the other side says. That 1910 is the object of meeting. So far as consultation is concerned, there is to be a great deal of consultation, not only now but in the future, upon these rather large and complex problems.