HC Deb 12 June 1958 vol 589 cc386-7
11. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is now in a position to made a statement about the Commonwealth Economic Committee's inquiry into the natural resources and development potential of the Commonwealth.

Commander Noble

As my hon. Friend told the House on 28th April, the Commonwealth Economic Committee has already published the first volume of its Review, which deals in general terms with production, consumption, trade, prices and kindred matters in respect of Commonwealth raw materials. The second volume contains detailed studies of the raw materials in each Commonwealth country and work on this is still in progress.

Mr. Bottomley

Can the Minister of State say whether this second report will be ready in time for the Commonwealth Economic Conference at Montreal this year?

Commander Noble

I am afraid I cannot give that answer. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is a most comprehensive study. I know that the Commonwealth Economic Committee will produce it as soon as possible.

Mr. Bottomley

Is not it most important that this document should be available, since it is the very basis of the work which the conference is to do? I hope the Minister will encourage the Committee to press on with it.

Commander Noble

I quite agree that it will be a most important document, and for that reason I am sure the Committee will do everything possible to have it ready by that date.