HC Deb 24 March 1952 vol 498 cc7-8W
47. Mr. Ross

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of serious unemployment in Britain, arising directly out of decisions of Commonwealth Governments, he will call a Commonwealth conference to consider ways and means to combat this threat to our economy.

The Prime Minister

The Commonwealth Finance Ministers, after their Conference in January, re-affirmed the need for frequent and comprehensive consultation between Governments within the Commonwealth on the problems of the sterling area. They stated that steps would be taken within the next few months and from time to time to review progress on the measures which were then being taken and which were proposed.

It is not true that serious unemployment in Britain has arisen directly out of the decisions of other Commonwealth Governments or from any other cause. The situation in the textile industry, however, causes anxiety and will receive the utmost attention from Her Majesty's Government. I am glad that there is to be a debate upon the subject this week