Oral Answers to Questions — European Settlement (Proposals).

– in the House of Commons am ar 25 Hydref 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of arranging that study shall be undertaken by the appointment of a special committee, or otherwise, of the problems involved in establishing a European Commonwealth after the war on the lines suggested by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Amery)?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider any proposals by which a stable international system having as its object the prevention of war and the just settlement of international disputes by pacific means can be effectively achieved. They are not, however, prepared at this stage to set up a special committee such as is proposed by the hon. Member.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Can the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, give an assurance that this proposal, in which great public interest is taken, is being seriously studied by the Foreign Office?

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very great service rendered during the last war by the Phillimore Committee, and will the Government consider again whether that precedent might not usefully be followed now?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

I will certainly direct the attention of my Noble Friend to the Phillimore Committee and consider the suggestion which the hon. Gentleman has made.

Photo of Mr William Leach Mr William Leach , Bradford Central

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to make it known to the people of Germany that His Majesty's Government are willing to explore the possibility of forming a united states of Europe as part of the terms of peace?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

The hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind, but at present I have nothing to add to my reply to his rather similar question on 27th September.

Photo of Mr William Leach Mr William Leach , Bradford Central

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give me some encouragement in regard to making this proposition known to the people of Germany, and the Government's friendliness to the principle?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

I do not doubt that the German people hear a great deal of what is said here, and to that extent I daresay the hon. Gentleman's suggestion is receiving the attention which he desires.