§ Mr. STURROCKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Controller of the Clearing Office invited members of the Enemy Debts Committee of the Imperial Commercial Associations to meet him on Monday 5th instant; and whether he can state the purpose of this meeting, and inform the House of the results of any interchange of views which took place?
Mr. ALEXANDERI am aware that the Controller invited the principal trade associations, including the Imperial Commercial Association, to an informal discussion to ascertain their views as to the best means to be adopted to expedite the settlement of outstanding claims. It has always been the policy of the Clearing464W Office to consult the trade associations on matters affecting the interests of their members, but the publication of the proceedings at these informal meetings might, in my opinion, defeat their object.