asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state on what date the Government received an invitation to attend the Commonwealth Trade Conference which began in London on 3rd October; the purpose for which the conference was called; and what steps were taken, before the conference, to obtain from the organised bodies in this country concerned with production, employment and trade a full understanding of their considered views on the matters to be discussed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commonwealth Trade Conference.
An invitation to attend the conference referred to in the Deputy's question was received on the 23rd August, 1946. The purpose of the conference was to exchange views and remove doubts about the "Proposals for Expansion of World Trade and Employment" published by the Department of State of the U.S.A. but no decisions were to be taken or commitments entered into. It was considered that the opinions of organised bodies in this country regarding the proposals could more usefully be sought after the general exchange of views at this conference and arrangements have been made to consult various organised bodies which may be interested in the proposals.
Will the Minister make a statement at an early date as to the types of bodies that are being consulted and the kind of questionnaire put to them?
I will consider it.
In considering it, will the Minister realise that in Great Britain, as early as March and April of this year, the British Government found it necessary and desirable, in order to inform itself of the opinions of the various productive and trade bodies in the country, to put them a big questionnaire and, in the beginning of the year, the Prime Ministers of the countries with whom we sat in conference the other day came together and it was announced that they had decided on certain financial and commercial principles to guide them in their future discussions? Will the Minister say whether he will convey to the bodies with whom he is communicating, or intends to communicate, the commercial and financial principles decided on by the Prime Ministers of the various countries in their discussions at the beginning of the year?