§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether the further studies into the proposal to create a Commonwealth Development Bank which were promised in the Final Act of the Montreal Conference have yet been initiated; when and where they will begin; and whether a statement on behalf of all full Commonwealth Member Governments will be published upon their conclusion.
§ Mr. AlportAs I informed the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 13th November, the Commonwealth Trade and Economic Conference agreed that these joint studies should take place after decisions had been taken in regard to any expansion of the resources of the International Bank and the International Monetary Fund Arrangements for these joint studies are under consideration. The question of a public statement will doubtless be considered by Commonwealth Governments in due course after the studies are concluded.